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OLYMPIA—September 27, 2025—Educators and their families from across Washington state gathered at Capital High School in Olympia this morning for the Educator of the Year ceremony, hosted each year by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The finalists’ friends, family, and colleagues attended the event to show support for their nominee.
Gabriela Whitemarsh, the 2026 State Teacher of the Year, is a math teacher at Pasco High School in the Pasco School District and represents Educational School District (ESD) 123. Maryan Abdow, the 2025 State Classified School Employee of the Year, is a Quality Engagement Specialist for Secondary Education in the Tukwila School District and represents Puget Sound Educational Service District 121.
Both Whitemarsh and Abdow will move forward to the national competition for their awards. Whitemarsh will compete for the National Teacher of the Year award. Abdow will compete for the national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award.
“Each year, this event gives us the opportunity to recognize teachers and classified employees that represent the best of what our public schools do for their students,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Gabriela helps students who are new to the U.S. continue to advance in math without allowing language to be a barrier, and Maryan connects students and their families with resources to support their basic needs so they can focus on learning. These educators are deeply committed to ensuring their students’ lifelong success, and I am honored to recognize them and our regional winners today.”
Gabriela Whitemarsh, 2026 State Teacher of the Year
Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual educator, has 18 years’ experience at both the college level and in K–12 public schools. Whitemarsh created the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program at Pasco High School in 2018. This program designs pathways for students new to the United States to take advanced, college-level math courses while they develop proficiency in English.
“Over the past eight years, she [Whitemarsh] has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her students’ success and her ability to inspire a genuine love for mathematics in her classroom,” said Veronica Machado, Principal of Pasco High School. “Her creativity, collaboration with peers, and innovative approach to teaching have set her apart as a true leader in education."
Whitemarsh has held several leadership roles, currently serving as the Multilingual Department Chair and Bilingual Facilitator at Pasco High School. Whitemarsh also serves as a mentor to her colleagues and to current and former students. She’s led numerous trainings focused on incorporating multilingual and multicultural practices, with the intent to increase successful outcomes for multilingual students.
Maryan Abdow, 2025 State Classified School Employee of the Year
Maryan Abdow has more than a decade of experience helping students experiencing homelessness and economic hardship as well as those in foster care. In her current role, Abdow connects families with essential services such as housing, food, and clothing, allowing students to focus on their education. She works closely with students in high school, promoting postsecondary opportunities and helping them transition beyond graduation.
Abdow leads the Tukwila School District’s School District Parent Advisory Committee and founded the district’s annual Resource Fair, which connects families with critical support. She’s also trained school district staff on McKinney-Vento, a federal law that is designed to support students experiencing homelessness.
At our middle school, Ms. Abdow works as a trusted advocate and support system for both students and their families," said Brett Christopher, Principal at Showalter Middle School. "Her presence and regular check ins with students provide stability and fosters hope for students facing uncertain living situations."
Outside of schools, Abdow serves as a Commissioner for the City of Tukwila's Equity and Social Justice Commission, advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion. As a former refugee, she values representation in education, knowing the impact of students seeing educators who reflect their backgrounds.
2026 Regional Teachers of the Year
- Destiny Hornstein, Otis Orchards Elementary, East Valley School District, ESD 101
- Gail Gregory, Hilton Elementary, Zillah School District, ESD 105
- John Zingale, iTech Preparatory, Vancouver Public Schools, ESD 112
- Jacqueline Gibbons, Aspire Middle School, North Thurston School District, ESD 113
- Shannon Green, Greywolf Elementary, Sequim School District, ESD 114
- Stephen Pickard, Rogers High School and Dessie Evans Elementary, Puyallup School District, ESD 121
- Gabriela Whitemarsh, Pasco High School, Pasco School District, ESD 123
- Madonna Konshuk-Carlton, Morgen Owings Elementary, Lake Chelan School District, ESD 171
- Ruwani Brohier, Cordata Elementary, Bellingham Public Schools, ESD 189
2025 Regional Classified School Employees of the Year
- Lori Beaty, On Track Academy, Spokane Public Schools, ESD 101
- Angelica Cardenas, Pioneer Elementary, Sunnyside School District, ESD 105
- Paul Richie, Kelso School District, ESD 112
- Andrea Bloomfield, Hood Canal School District, ESD 113
- Maryan Abdow, Tukwila School District, ESD 121
- Olivia Grassl, Connell Elementary, North Franklin School District, ESD 123
- Robin Hanson, Manson Secondary School, Manson School District, ESD 171
- Jim Logan, Burlington-Edison School District, ESD 189