Sydney Thompson Named Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year
The educator made history as the state's first two-time recipient of the regional teaching honor.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you support using state lottery revenue to fund public education programs in your area?
The Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery have recognized 17 educators as Regional Teachers of the Year. Among the honorees, Sydney Thompson secured the title for a second time after first receiving the award during the 2022-23 school year.
Why it matters
The program recognizes and honors teacher excellence across the state to support the continued quality of secondary education. It highlights the role of both state agencies and local service districts in fostering classroom achievements.
Each of the 17 regional winners receives a $1,000 cash award. The program is supported by Oregon Lottery funding, which has provided more than $10 billion to state school districts since 1995.
The players
Sydney Thompson
She is an educator at Dayville School and the first person to receive the Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year award twice.
Oregon Department of Education
This state agency oversees public education standards and administers the annual teacher recognition program.
Oregon Lottery
This state institution provides significant financial support to public education programs through its revenue transfers.
The details
The award was presented to Sydney Thompson on September 23, 2026, at Dayville School. A panel of regional representatives selected the winners after reviewing testimonials and letters of support facilitated by education service districts.
Timeline
1995: Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education.
2022-23: Sydney Thompson first received the regional teacher award.
September 23, 2026: Thompson received the regional award at Dayville School.
September 25, 2026: Full list of statewide winners published online.
Fall 2026: Announcement of the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year.
Culture Shift
This recognition program reflects a broader societal move toward valuing teacher excellence through public-private partnerships. It demonstrates how dedicated funding streams can sustain long-term programs that honor educators beyond their daily classroom responsibilities.
The recognition of local educators through these programs reinforces the quality of instruction students receive in their home districts. Continued lottery support ensures that schools like those in Grant County maintain a steady pipeline of resources for academic development.
The takeaway
Sydney Thompson's achievement underscores the long-term impact of consistent educator dedication within the state's school system. Readers can support their own local teachers by participating in nomination processes facilitated by education service districts.
What happens next
The 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will be announced later this fall, and the full list of regional winners will be published online on September 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the selection process, visit the Secondary Education section.
More information
View the Oregon Teacher of the Year nominations for more details on the program.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blue Mountain Eagle.
Live Poll
Do you support using state lottery revenue to fund public education programs in your area?
