Educator Awards

OSPI recognizes educators through a number of state award programs.

Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year program is a two-step process in which we recognize Regional Teachers of the Year from each Educational Education Service District (ESD). From there we select an honoree as our Washington State Teacher of the Year we put forward as our national nominee. 

Classified School Employee of the Year

The Classified Employee of the Year program is a two-step process in which we recognize Regional Classified Employees of the Year from each Educational Service District (ESD). From there, we select an honoree as our Washington State Classified Employee of the Year to put forward as our national nominee.  

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition for a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher in the United States.

Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year

The Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year award honors great American history teachers from across the country. Washington selects one state finalist annually as Washington’s finalist for the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. State finalists compete for the national award.

WA Regional Educator Award Coordinators