Overview:
Redmond High School teacher, Mona Mensing, won Oregon's regional Teacher of the Year award, an esteemed honor.
Mona Mensing, an English teacher at Redmond High School, was named one of Oregon’s 16 regional Teachers of the Year for 2025-26 during a surprise all-school assembly Sept. 16.
“I feel seen and heard, just like my students, and it’s truly amazing,” Mensing said after receiving the honor. “This is a shout-out to all English teachers, and I feel privileged to be among them.”
The Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery announced Mensing’s selection as part of the state’s annual recognition program honoring outstanding pre-K through 12th grade public school educators. She now advances to compete for the statewide Teacher of the Year title, which will be announced in October.
Regional winners receive $1,000, while the state winner receives $10,000 and their school receives $5,000, courtesy of the Oregon Lottery partnership.
Student impact beyond the classroom
Ideal nominees build strong partnerships with staff, students and families while fostering environments where respect and achievement flourish. They also bridge classroom learning with community connections and demonstrate innovative leadership reflecting a commitment to continuous growth.
The Teacher of the Year program seeks educators who demonstrate subject-area expertise while ensuring all students succeed regardless of their circumstances or learning needs. Mensing was nominated by a student who praised her ability to push students, “to work their absolute best and helps them achieve their true potential.” The nominating student added that Mensing “makes me feel seen and heard as both a student and a person.”
“Mona Mensing represents the very best of what teaching can and should be: a profession driven by passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Principal Audrey Haugan. “She is not just teaching English; she is inspiring young minds, fostering critical thinking, and helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, young adults.”
Superintendent Charan Cline noted Mensing’s impact extends beyond traditional classroom instruction. Over six years at Redmond High School, she has coached Poetry Out Loud competitors to state-level success, founded the S.A.F.E. club to promote inclusion, and led students in delivering diversity training to staff and administrators. Her classroom serves as a hub where students gather before school, during lunch and after hours for additional support.
“She combines academic rigor with heartfelt emotional support, helping every student find their voice and feel valued,” Cline said in a recent press release. “Her unwavering commitment to nurturing, empowering, and engaging students makes her an inspiration to us all.”
Selection process
The Teacher of the Year selection process involves nominations from students, colleagues, principals, friends or family members. All 19 of Oregon’s Education Service Districts oversee local selection, where nominees share their stories and receive letters of support. Local panels evaluate candidates on leadership, teaching skills, commitment to equity, community connections, understanding of education challenges, vision and professional growth dedication.
The Oregon Lottery has supported public schools since 1995 and has partnered with ODE since 2016. Last year, Redmond School District received more than $4.1 million in lottery funding, while Deschutes County schools received over $14.5 million.
“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 Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”
In a recent press release, Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said the lottery is “proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”
The remaining regional winners were to be announced on Sept. 19, with the complete list available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. The national Teacher of the Year program is coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
This article appears in the Source September 25, 2025.
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