InterMountain ESD and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Marianne Smith as the 25-26 InterMountain Regional Teacher of the Year on September 17th. Smith teaches Art at McLoughlin High (Mac-Hi) School in the Milton-Freewater Unified School District and was honored during an all-school assembly.
Smith is one of 16 25-26 Regional Teachers of the Year and is also one of four State Finalists for Oregon Teacher of the Year.
Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.
“[Smith] goes above and beyond to accommodate students at all levels and lives and breathes the phrase ‘Low Floor, High Ceiling,’” a colleague noted in the nomination of Smith. “She helps students find their inner artist and helps them thrive. She is also a strong communicator with staff as she is the union president.”
In her nomination, Smith noted, “By dissolving the traditional classroom walls, I strive to give my students not just an education in art, but an education in possibility.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.
“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Director of Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”
Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon's 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.*
After receiving her award, Smith said, “This means everything to me. I struggle with impostor syndrome, whether I am ever good enough as an educator, as an artist, a coach, all of the irons I have in the fire. I love what I do, and this award is an affirmation that it’s okay, what I’m doing is a good thing.”
InterMountain ESD Superintendent Dr. Mark Mulvihill attended the celebration and said, “It’s always a wonderful event to highlight and celebrate our region’s outstanding teachers. We know the most important factor in success for a child is teacher quality. When we go through this process and find people like Marianne, these are the people making the difference for the future of our kids.”
Mulvihill said he has known Marianne and her family for many, many years. “She is a humble, high-quality professional who never brings a lot of attention to herself. To see her recognized at this level means an awful lot to the people who know her,” he said.
Aaron Duff, Superintendent of Milton-Freewater Unified School District, said Smith is an example of teachers in the district who work hard every single day, every single year. “Celebrating Marianne today is an awesome opportunity for Milton-Freewater to be recognized for all the work that’s done. Marianne is so well deserving and also leads other teachers to do great things.”
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, nearly $900,000 of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Milton-Freewater School District, and over $7.5 million went to Umatilla County.
“This group of standout Oregon teachers bring their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”
On Friday, September 19, 2025, once all 16 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.
*Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.
From Left: Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD Superintendent, Mac-Hi Principal Mario Uribe Saldana, Marianne Smith, Milton-Freewater Unified School District Superintendent Aaron Duff.
From Left: Oregon Lottery representative Hannah Child, Marianne Smith, Oregon Lottery representatives Michelle McKenzie and Kristy Lommen.
Smith with some of her students.