Sally teaches special education at the Community Transition Program in Springfield where her leadership and connection shine both inside and outside the classroom.
Read MoreThe Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, presents 2025-26's Regional Teachers of the Year! Each will receive a $1,000 award.
“I integrate diverse perspectives, texts and experiences so students see themselves reflected in the curriculum; this fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation for our similarities and differences.”
“Teenagers are full of opinions, and I help them translate those opinions into civic involvement and writing proficiency.”
“I strive to ensure that every student – regardless of background, ability, or prior knowledge - feels inspired, capable, and excited to learn.”
““Sena Raschio’s unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and strong leadership…will leave a lasting legacy.” -Amy Hunt, Title IA Teacher.”
“I have always felt like nurturing teenagers in a classroom all day comes with great responsibility to let them know the importance of their world outside.”
“By dissolving the traditional classroom walls, I strive to give my students not just an education in art, but an education in possibility.”
“It just takes one breakthrough with one kid to affect the whole class and it takes just one breakthrough with one class to affect the whole community. ”
“I foster a space where students can reflect on their actions, connect their hearts and minds, and draw on their personal strengths; they become more self-aware, empathetic, and capable decision-makers”
“I continue to see each and every student as a unique individual worthy of respect, capable of growing, and open to influence.”
“I focus on fostering an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, are treated with dignity, respect, and an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of school life. ”
“Students deserve a well-rounded education that includes the arts because arts are a core subject that truly connect everything together, pushing them to be their most authentic, confident, best selves”
“Not only do I feel that it is important for my students to make connections to themselves with our classroom literacy, but I also want their families to feel that connection as well.”
“I strive to create a learning environment that celebrates cultural strengths, uses student-centered approaches, and encourages students to see failure as a learning opportunity.”
“My goal is not only to help students become proficient in math, but also to help them believe in their ability to learn, grow and persevere through challenges.”
“My philosophy of teaching – fostering collaboration, student ownership, and musical excellence – while ensuring all learners, regardless of background or ability, experience growth and success.”
“My passion for teaching agriculture sciences, and technology stems from a deep belief that students learn best when they feel connected to the material.”
The Teacher of the Year program was created to recognize exemplary public school educators — Oregon teachers who inspire students and make a positive impact in the communities in which they live. The award celebrates knowledge, dedication, innovation and leadership. Exceptional teachers will be honored in up to 19 regions across the state, each awarded $1,000, with Oregon's Teacher of the Year selected from among the regional semi-finalists and awarded $10,000.
Know a great teacher? Fill out the nomination form and tell us what makes them exceptional!
We notify qualifying nominees and invite them to apply for Teacher of the Year.
Each of Oregon’s 19 Education Service Districts review applications from their area and choose a winner for their region.
Finalists are chosen from among the regional winners, and then the designated candidate will be recommended to the Director of the Oregon Department of Education as the next Oregon Teacher of the Year.
The Oregon Lottery is the proud presenter of Oregon’s Teacher of the Year as well as a valued partner of the Oregon Department of Education. Currently, 53% of Oregon Lottery profits go to Oregon’s Pre-K-Higher Education public schools to help pay teachers’ salaries, build and repair schools, purchase much needed textbooks, computers, equipment and support other essential services. From pre-kindergarten to state universities, from textbooks to teachers’ salaries, Lottery funds help support classrooms and the future stewards of Oregon.
This past biennium, Oregon Lottery has contributed $650 million towards K-12 education. That's about $591 per student each year!
Oregon Tech, using Oregon Lottery funds earmarked for college athletics, also offers a supportive, community-minded program for student athletes.