The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Max Jones as one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year! Jones teaches music and band at North Valley High School in Grants Pass. 

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at the North Valley High School on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:20 a.m., when Jones will be honored in a classroom celebration. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

Jones was nominated by many parents and students. One parent explained, “Mr. Jones is excellent at reaching children at all levels of skill l and ability. He spends countless hours before and after school making his room a safe space for all students. He has built our program from the ground up in his 4 years at North Valley.” 

One of his students commended his impact to the community, “He cares about his students. Making sure everyone feels safe and accepted in his classroom is his top priority. Furthermore, he ensures that he and his students make a positive impact on the rest of the school environment, and even our community as well."

Jones said in his nomination, “My philosophy of teaching – fostering collaboration, student ownership, and musical excellence – while ensuring all learners, regardless of background or ability, experience growth and success.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Director of Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.* Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, nearly $2.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Three Rivers School District, and over $8.4 million went to Josephine County. 

“This group of standout Oregon teachers bring their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”  

On Friday, September 19, 2025, once all 16 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Jones will be available HERE.  

*Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.