Educational Service District 112 is now accepting nominations for two highly esteemed regional awards: the 2026 Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Classified School Employee of the Year. These awards honor exceptional educators and school employees whose dedication and contributions make a lasting impact on Southwest Washington schools.
Regional winners will advance to compete at the Washington State level later this year.
Who Can Nominate?
School districts, colleagues, students, families, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates. Nominations are open through March 2, 2025, via OSPI’s online nomination form.
Teacher of the Year Eligibility & Criteria
Please review the eligibility requirements and other details about this years’ awards, and submit your nominations.
Nominees must:
- Demonstrate excellence in teaching and student achievement
- Foster an inclusive classroom environment for students of all backgrounds
- Build strong relationships with colleagues, families, and community members
- Show innovative leadership both inside and outside the classroom
- Communicate effectively and engagingly
- Teach full-time with at least 50% classroom time
- Commit to teaching through the 2025-26 school year
- Not previously received State or Regional Teacher of the Year recognition in Washington
Meet last year’s winner and be inspired to nominate an outstanding educator!
Classified School Employee of the Year Eligibility & Criteria
Please review the eligibility requirements and other details about this years’ awards, and submit your nominations.
Nominees must:
- Perform exceptional work that earns community respect and admiration
- Demonstrate commitment to professional growth
- Strengthen school-community connections
- Foster a positive school culture through collaboration
- Show a clear connection between their work and student success
- Serve in a non-management classified position
- Commit to continuing in education through the 2025-26 school year
- Not previously received State or Regional Classified Employee recognition in Washington
Meet last year’s winner and nominate a deserving school employee today!
The Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year represent the highest regional recognition for excellence in education. We encourage nominations for individuals who go above and beyond to support students, schools, and communities.
