Kelso special education teacher wins ESD 112 award
Tammy Smith, a special education teacher and department chair at Kelso High School, was named 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year by Educational Service District 112.
She will be recognized at an upcoming ESD 112 board meeting, a Kelso School District press release states.
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The award honors a Southwest Washington educator who demonstrates an ability to inspire student success, collaborate with families and colleagues, foster strong community connections, demonstrate innovation and leadership and effectively communicate the impact of public education.
It also makes Smith a candidate for the Washington State Teacher of the Year award. The state award recipient is selected in late summer or early fall.
Smith has worked to expand Unified Sports in Kelso School District and throughout Southwest Washington. The program pairs students with and without disabilities to form sports teams.
She also created the annual Bridging the Gap Transition Services Event, which connects students and families with organizations and resources to help them transition to life after high school.
Under her leadership, Kelso High School's graduation rate for students with disabilities reached 74.1%. The statewide rate for students with disabilities was 65.7% in the 2024-2025 school year, the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction reports.
Tammy Smith
Tammy Smith
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