Oregon Teacher of the Year

Giving back to outstanding educators

Since 2016, the Oregon Lottery has proudly sponsored Teacher of the Year to reward our state’s amazing teachers, who dedicate their lives to inspiring students every day.

Rosa Floyd 2023 Oregon Teacher of the Year

Recognizing Amazing Teachers since 1955

In 1955, Oregon honored Margaret (Perry) Teufel of Monmouth Elementary School as its first Teacher of the Year. 1955 was an exciting year for Margaret and for Oregon as she was also awarded the National Teacher of the Year. Twice more, an Oregon educator received our nation’s highest honor – 1973 with John Ensworth of Kenwood Elementary in Bend and 2008 with Mike Geisen of Crook County Middle School in Prineville.

Oregon Teacher of the Year Ethelyn Tumalad and family
Ethelyn teaching at the front of her classroom

Oregon Lottery + Teacher of the Year

That proud tradition that started in 1955 continues to this day as the Oregon Department of Education honors an outstanding educator as Teacher of the Year. In 2016, the Oregon Lottery began assisting with the Teacher of the Year program in the form of sponsorship and logistical support to help expand the program and increase the rewards for regional and statewide honorees who exemplify the dedication and passion of Oregon’s finest educators.

2023 Teacher of the Year

Meet Rosa Floyd

2023’s winner, Rosa Floyd of Nellie Muir Elementary in Woodburn is an inspiration. Rosa’s impact is immeasurable in her community, rippling beyond her beloved students and the walls of her classroom. In addition to helping her students realize the best versions of themselves, she has also assisted in the development of a district preschool program, started an English-language education program for parents and is the founder of a popular Mexican folkloric dance group made up of students, school staff and families. It can’t be said enough, Oregon’s Teacher of the Year is a special honor for the remarkable educators who are ensuring a brighter future for our state.

Is there a teacher making a big difference in your community?

Nominate them for Teacher of the Year! It’s as easy as filling out a form on the Teacher of the Year website with some details about what makes them exceptional.

Nominate a Teacher

A Brief History of Teacher of the Year

The United States established the Teacher of the Year program as a way to nationally recognize outstanding educators.

Margaret Perry

Oregon began its participation in Teacher of the Year and first honored Margaret Perry, who went on to win the national title that year.

John A. Ensworth, a sixth grade teacher from Bend, became Oregon’s second teacher to win the national title.

Michael Geisen, a middle school science teacher from Prineville, became Oregon’s third teacher to win the national title.

The Oregon Lottery sponsored Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program and opened the door to rewarding winners with cash gifts and school funding.

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program expanded to recognize 19 regional winners, Each regional winner receives $1,000 and is considered for the state title.

Meet Some of Oregon’s Teacher of the Year Winners

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2023

Learn More

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2023
Ethelyn Talamud, Oregon 2022 Teacher of the Year

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2022
Nicole Bulter-Hooton

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2021

Featured Projects

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Economic Growth

Oregon UAS Accelerator

Proving drone systems in the skies over Pendleton

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Natural Habitats

Clearing the Willamette River

Solving a Non-native Weed Invasion

Public Schools

Oregon Tech: A World-Class Education

Oregon Tech specializes in fields that are highly in demand. With funding from Oregon Lottery, student graduate with endless options.

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Veteran Services

Veteran Resource Centers

Supporting Veterans Through Higher Ed

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State Parks

Honeyman State Park

Get sand in your shoes at Honeyman State Park

An older student leads younger students on a hike at Camp Tamarack.

Outdoor School

Central Oregon’s Camp Tamarack

Student Leaders Take on Outdoor School

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LOTTERY DOLLARS DOING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Economic Growth

Fueling business, jobs and infrastructure

State Parks

Maintaining and creating Oregon’s beautiful parks

Outdoor School

Exposing 5th & 6th grade students to Oregon’s natural classrooms

Natural Habitats

Enhancing watersheds, irrigation and wildlife habitats

Public Schools

Investing in Oregon’s future, from K through 12 and beyond
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Veteran Services

Supporting programs that give back to our valued Veterans

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The thrills of the Vegas Strip right here in Oregon!
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Oregon Monsters

As we celebrate all things spooky, it’s good to remember that Oregon has plenty of unique scary cryptids and slimy creatures that haunt the night. Of course you’ve heard of Sasquatch, but did you know he runs with a crew of even more elusive monsters who live in our state’s most dark and remote corners? Oregon Monsters Scratch-its honor our lesser-known nightmare dwellers, from Dogman to the Devil’s Lake Monster, Colossal Claude and more. Match five winning numbers on the front of the Scratch-it to your numbers to win up to $30,000! But then check out the reverse to learn more about our monstrous inhabitants. You never know who you might run into on your next camping trip in the dark woods.
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