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News Release

Kennewick Educator Named ESD 123 Regional Teacher Of The Year (Photo) - 07/07/26

Pasco, WA – Educational Service District 123 is proud to announce that Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher at Westgate Elementary School in the Kennewick School District, has been selected as the 2027 ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year. Cannon will now represent our region in the state-level Washington Teacher of the Year program, hosted by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

 

Driven by the belief that every student can achieve at high levels, Cannon has dedicated her career to creating meaningful opportunities for students and families from the very beginning of their educational journey. Through innovative teaching practices, strong family partnerships, and schoolwide leadership, she has helped shape a learning environment where students are empowered to succeed both academically and personally.

 

Among Cannon's most impactful accomplishments is the transformation of Westgate Elementary's Kindergarten Home Visit Program. By providing families with essential English language arts and math, the program strengthens the connection between home and school while equipping parents to play an active role in their child's early learning. This work has contributed to significant improvements in kindergarten achievement and played an important role in Westgate Elementary's successful exit from Washington's comprehensive school improvement status.

 

Beyond the classroom, Cannon has been instrumental in strengthening school culture and family engagement. She led the implementation of the Ron Clark Academy Houses program and serves as chair of the school's Action Team for Partnerships, helping redefine the school's relationship with families and the community. The success of these partnership efforts has earned national recognition through the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University, where Westgate's practices have been published and are now being replicated by schools across the country.

 

"Kori operates under the unwavering conviction that every student can achieve at high levels," wrote Westgate Elementary Assistant Principal Traci Ronck-Curry in her nomination letter. "She doesn't just teach children to read and do math - she builds partnerships with families, creates a culture where students thrive, and elevates everyone around her. Kori is truly a beacon in our district."

 

The lasting impact of Cannon's work extends well beyond the kindergarten classroom. One former student, now a high school honors student, recently shared that learning to speak English in Cannon's classroom made school "a fun experience" and inspired the dedication to learning that continues today. Stories like these reflect the enduring influence Cannon has on students, families, and the entire school community.

 

"Kori Cannon exemplifies the passion, innovation, and commitment that define outstanding educators," said ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough. "Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, strengthening partnerships with families, inspiring colleagues, and helping students build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. We are proud to have Kori represent ESD 123 as our 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year."

 

The Regional Teacher of the Year program celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching and leadership while providing them with opportunities to advocate for the profession and the students they serve. Regional recipients participate in professional learning, leadership development, and statewide educational initiatives.

 

As the ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cannon will now join eight other regional finalists in consideration for the 2027 Washington State Teacher of the Year. The Washington Teacher of the Year program, administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), recognizes educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching practices and make a lasting impact on students' lives. The State Teacher of the Year represents Washington at national events, including leadership conferences and recognition week in Washington, D.C., and serves as the Teacher-in-Residence for OSPI from January through June.

 

Learn more about the Washington Teacher of the Year program athttps://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/teacher-year.

 

Attached Media Files: Kori.Cannon.Classroom.jpg, Kori.Cannon.jpg,

Kennewick Educator Named ESD 123 Regional Teacher Of The Year (Photo) - 07/07/26

Pasco, WA – Educational Service District 123 is proud to announce that Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher at Westgate Elementary School in the Kennewick School District, has been selected as the 2027 ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year. Cannon will now represent our region in the state-level Washington Teacher of the Year program, hosted by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

 

Driven by the belief that every student can achieve at high levels, Cannon has dedicated her career to creating meaningful opportunities for students and families from the very beginning of their educational journey. Through innovative teaching practices, strong family partnerships, and schoolwide leadership, she has helped shape a learning environment where students are empowered to succeed both academically and personally.

 

Among Cannon's most impactful accomplishments is the transformation of Westgate Elementary's Kindergarten Home Visit Program. By providing families with essential English language arts and math, the program strengthens the connection between home and school while equipping parents to play an active role in their child's early learning. This work has contributed to significant improvements in kindergarten achievement and played an important role in Westgate Elementary's successful exit from Washington's comprehensive school improvement status.

 

Beyond the classroom, Cannon has been instrumental in strengthening school culture and family engagement. She led the implementation of the Ron Clark Academy Houses program and serves as chair of the school's Action Team for Partnerships, helping redefine the school's relationship with families and the community. The success of these partnership efforts has earned national recognition through the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University, where Westgate's practices have been published and are now being replicated by schools across the country.

 

"Kori operates under the unwavering conviction that every student can achieve at high levels," wrote Westgate Elementary Assistant Principal Traci Ronck-Curry in her nomination letter. "She doesn't just teach children to read and do math - she builds partnerships with families, creates a culture where students thrive, and elevates everyone around her. Kori is truly a beacon in our district."

 

The lasting impact of Cannon's work extends well beyond the kindergarten classroom. One former student, now a high school honors student, recently shared that learning to speak English in Cannon's classroom made school "a fun experience" and inspired the dedication to learning that continues today. Stories like these reflect the enduring influence Cannon has on students, families, and the entire school community.

 

"Kori Cannon exemplifies the passion, innovation, and commitment that define outstanding educators," said ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough. "Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, strengthening partnerships with families, inspiring colleagues, and helping students build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. We are proud to have Kori represent ESD 123 as our 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year."

 

The Regional Teacher of the Year program celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching and leadership while providing them with opportunities to advocate for the profession and the students they serve. Regional recipients participate in professional learning, leadership development, and statewide educational initiatives.

 

As the ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cannon will now join eight other regional finalists in consideration for the 2027 Washington State Teacher of the Year. The Washington Teacher of the Year program, administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), recognizes educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching practices and make a lasting impact on students' lives. The State Teacher of the Year represents Washington at national events, including leadership conferences and recognition week in Washington, D.C., and serves as the Teacher-in-Residence for OSPI from January through June.

 

Learn more about the Washington Teacher of the Year program athttps://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/teacher-year.

 

Attached Media Files: Kori.Cannon.Classroom.jpg, Kori.Cannon.jpg,