January 9, 2026 9:50 a.m.  

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, has announced the continuation of the Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state.

*Nominations are open statewide through February 11th

*Teachers will submit their applications by April 9th

*Oregon Education Service districts will select a winner from their region

*Regional teachers of the year will be honored across the state in September

*In October one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year and will be eligible to apply for the honor of the National Teacher of the Year.

Regional teachers of the year will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and will be celebrated across the state. The 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize in addition to $5,000 going to their school. They will serve as a spokesperson and  representative for all Oregon teachers.

Anyone can nominate a teacher at: www.oregonteacheroftheyear.org