North Thurston schools’ math teacher is the Regional Teacher of the Year, ESD 113 says
North Thurston Public Schools’ math teacher Jacqui Gibbons, who teaches at Aspire Middle School, is the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year, according to Educational Service District 113, which announced the award earlier this month.
Gibbons has been teaching for more than 30 years, according to a news release.
Jacqui “encourages students when needed and nudges them when necessary because she cares deeply about their future success,” said Aspire Principal Mike Suhling in a statement. “She works side by side with students to grow, to accomplish, and to celebrate an amazing future.”
One of her math lessons is a career exploration assignment, according to a news release.
“Students choose what careers to research, learning about salary and benefits, educational requirements, and scholarship opportunities that could help them in the future if they choose to pursue the career,” the news release reads. “Parents often express how it sparks conversations about their children’s futures.”
The Capital Region ESD 113 Regional Teacher of the Year is one of nine candidates chosen by ESDs throughout the state.
Those nine candidates are then considered for Washington state Teacher of the Year as selected by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. That happens in the fall.
This story was originally published June 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM.
