SPRINGFIELD – Sally Golden, a special education teacher at the Community Transition Program in Springfield, has been named one of Oregon’s 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year. Last week, students, staff, and friends gathered at Brattain House to celebrate.

“I continue to see each and every student as a unique individual worthy of respect, capable of growing, and open to influence,” said Golden. “It is the greatest honor to get to serve the district … where I was born and raised.”

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, honored Golden along with 15 other educators around the state. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 award and will be considered for the Oregon Teacher of the Year title, to be announced later this fall.

“Sally is well-liked and respected by students, their families, and members of the community,” said the parent, who nominated Golden. “She is flexible, working with differently abled students, meeting their varied needs and advocating for them in class settings and in the community.”

Each of the 16 Regional Teachers of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for the state’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced later in October.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $5.2 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Springfield School District, and over $25.7 million went to Lane County.

“Every single one of us can remember a teacher who had an impact in our lives,” said Todd Hamilton, superintendent.