The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Sally Golden as one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year & State Finalist! Golden teaches Art at the Community Transitional Program. 

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at the Brattain House, as a part of the Community Transition Program, on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 9 a.m., when Golden will be honored in a gathering of students and colleagues. 

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. 

 “Sally is well liked and respected by students, their families and members of the community” said the parent, who nominated Golden. “She is flexible working with differently abled students meeting their varied needs and advocating for them in class settings and in the community.” 

In her nomination, Golden noted, “I continue to see each and every student a unique individual worthy of respect, capable of growing, and open to influence.” 

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, over $5.2 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Springfield School District, and over $25.7 million went to Lane 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 Golden 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.