The Capital Educational Service District (ESD) 113 announced Jacqui Gibbons, a middle school teacher in the North Thurston Public Schools, as the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year.
Gibbons has taught math for more than 30 years at Aspire Middle School in Lacey.
“Students at Aspire will tell you two things if you ask them about Ms. Gibbons. They will say she is strict and expects a lot from them, and secondly, they will tell you that Ms. Gibbons is their favorite teacher. ... When you are strict because you are fighting side-by-side with your students to grow, accomplish, and celebrate every step forward towards an amazing future, then strict becomes a function of student advocacy and mentorship,” said Aspire Middle School Principal Mike Suhling in a statement.
ESD 113 announced Gibbons accomplishment in a news release on June 4, stating the teacher helps students reach their potential through a "warm demander" approach.
“She regularly has students incorporate cultural and familial traditions into their probability assignments in order to showcase a broad range of perspectives,” the news release states.
Gibbons, who was one of the nine candidates for the regional award, will be nominated by the ESD 113 for the state award.
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will select and announce the Washington State Teacher of the Year winner this fall.
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