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OLYMPIA—October 10, 2026—Educators from across Washington traveled to Olympia this weekend for the annual Educator of the Year Awards ceremony at Olympia’s Capital High School. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction hosts the annual event which celebrates regional teachers of the year and classified school employees of the year from each state’s nine regional Educational Service Districts (ESDs).
The event culminated with the naming of Kori Cannon as the 2027 State Teacher of the Year and Dana Wilson as the 2026 State Classified School Employee of the Year. Cannon is a multilingual learner kindergarten teacher in the Kennewick School District and represents ESD 123. Wilson is a multilingual learner paraeducator in the Washougal School District and represents ESD 112.
Both Cannon and Wilson will move forward to the national competition for their awards. Cannon will compete for the National Teacher of the Year award. Wilson will compete for the national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award.
“Public education is about providing access and uplift to all students and their families,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Kori Cannon and Dana Wilson work in diverse communities with students who may be learning English or speak a language other than English at home. Their commitment to building structures and systems to support these students benefits everyone in the community and is exactly what we should be doing in public education."
Kori Cannon, 2027 State Teacher of the Year
Kori Cannon started her career in public education as an elementary substitute teacher in the Kennewick School District in 2010 and transitioned to a full-time kindergarten teacher two years later. During her 16 years in the classroom, Cannon has taught students from 22 countries. Cannon helps her students build confidence, communication skills, and independence while honoring their diverse cultural backgrounds and partnering with families to support each child's development.
“Kori’s infectious enthusiasm makes our school a place where children truly want to be,” said Traci Ronck-Curry, Assistant Principal, Westgate Elementary. Her "can-do" attitude, paired with her deep compassion and professional drive, makes her an invaluable asset to our families and a source of inspiration for her peers.
Cannon plays an active role in her school. She’s led different initiatives, including one to improve school climate through the Ron Clark Academy. Her work to create family and community partnerships with the Action Team for Partnerships earned Westgate national recognition through the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University.
Dana Wilson, 2026 State Classified School Employee of the Year
Dana Wilson began her career in public education 10 years ago as a volunteer. She then worked as a recess assistant, substitute teacher, and is now a multilingual learner paraeducator. A big part of Wilson’s role as a paraeducator is coordinating with the district’s Family Resource Coordinator and Family Liaison to help ensure students’ basic needs are met.
“Dana understands that learning cannot happen without trust,” said David Cooke, Principal, Jemtegaard Middle School. “For many of our immigrant students, life experiences have made it difficult to trust. Dana's unique blend of a nurturing style, high expectations, and unwavering belief in her students' potential allows her to build the essential partnerships that leads to academic success."
Wilson is an active board member of the Washougal Schools Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to “improving the lives of Washougal’s children.” She also volunteers for UNITE! Washougal Community Coalition and is active in various local booster clubs.
2027 Regional Teachers of the Year
- Gretchen Cruden, Orient Elementary, Orient School District, ESD 101
- Rosalia Tapia, Mattawa Elementary, Wahluke School District, ESD 105
- Tammy Smith, Kelso High School, Kelso School, ESD 112
- Scott Le Duc, Capital High School, Olympia School District, ESD 113
- Jaden Friedle, Greywolf Elementary, Sequim School District, ESD 114
- Lisa Merlin, Green Lake Elementary, Seattle Public Schools, ESD 121
- Kori Cannon, Westgate Elementary, Kennewick School District, ESD 123
- Amelia Lehman, Cascade Elementary, Eastmont School District, ESD 171
- Carlene Ogren, Broad View Elementary, Oak Harbor Public Schools, ESD 189
2026 Regional Classified School Employees of the Year
- Emma Trayte, Lincoln Middle School, Pullman Public Schools, ESD 101
- Lulu Rodriguez, Kirkwood Elementary, Toppenish School District, ESD 105
- Dana Wilson, Washougal School District, ESD 112
- Tom Harn, South Bay Elementary, North Thurston Public Schools, ESD 113
- Megan Lyke, Sequim School District, ESD 114
- Flor Rivera, Auburn School District, ESD 121
- Andrea Zimmermann, Clarkston School District, ESD 123
- Teresa Vargas, Orondo School District, ESD 171
- Kelly Toner, Cascadia Elementary, Ferndale School District, 189