Beaverton, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, proudly announces Jason Galbraith as one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year! Jason teaches computer science and engineering at Sunset High School in the Beaverton School District.

Jason has taught at Sunset High School for 18 years, where he leads one of the state’s most dynamic computer science programs. His classroom is built on innovation, inclusivity and connection. Jason prides himself on empowering students to take risks, learn from failure, and express themselves through creative problem-solving.

Jason Galbraith stands in his computer science classroom on Sept. 16 after being named 2025-26 Regional Teacher of the Year for the Northwest Regional Education Service District region, which includes four counties and covers 20 school districts in northwest Oregon. Photos by Megan Mahoney. 

One of Jason’s hallmarks is using a hybrid flipped-classroom model, where his hundreds of self-created tutorials and videos allow students to learn at their own pace. This frees class time for him to provide one-on-one support, even while teaching multiple courses and grade levels in the same period. His students not only learn to code — they also gain confidence, resilience, and bravery in tackling difficult challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Jason connects his students to the wider community. He has led projects where computer science students design simulations and games to support science, math, and even language arts classes, making abstract concepts more tangible for their peers. He also advises Sunset’s Girls Who Code club, helps organize summer camps led by high school girls for younger students, and champions the recognition of female students through the National Center for Women & Information Technology’s Aspirations Award program — where Sunset regularly leads the state in honorees.

Alumni from his program often return to mentor current students or showcase how computer science at Sunset shaped their futures. Industry partnerships with Nike, Intel, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Oregon Health & Science University provide students with authentic, real-world opportunities and pathways to careers in technology.

In his nomination, Galbraith wrote, “I strive to create an environment that celebrates students’ cultural strengths, encourages risk-taking, and empowers them to see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Teaching bravery was not what I expected to be part of computer science as a new teacher, but it has become an essential part of my work.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Winners are selected through a process facilitated by Oregon’s 19 education service districts, based on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, and professional growth.

Thank you to the following members of the Blue Ribbon Panel for helping to select our region's educator:

• Naheed Brown, Program Administrator at Northwest Regional Education Service District and former Regional Teacher of the Year
• Aron Carleson, Executive Director of the Hillsboro Schools Foundation
• Nathan Davis, Beaverton Mayor’s Policy & Communications Advisor
• Mark Girod, Ph. D., College of Education Dean at Western Oregon University
• Ryan Hamilton, Professional Learning Coach at Northwest Regional Education Service District and former Regional Teacher of the Year
• Jarrod Hogue, President of Clatsop Community College

“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 the 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.”

Jason Galbraith holds his oversized check after being named the 2025-26 Regional Teacher of the Year on Sept. 16 at Sunset High School where he teaches computer science and engineering. 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, who will be announced 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, nearly $400,000 of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Beaverton School District, and over $32 million went to Washington County.

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.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year.

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 serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.