Redmond High English teacher Mona Mensing named High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year
Jillian Fortner
(Update: Teacher of the Year honor announced; background)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, .announced Tuesday morning that Redmond High School English Teacher Mona Mensing is one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year.
Mensing was honored in a surprise all-school assembly. KTVZ News was there and will have more on tonight’s broadcasts.
Here’s the rest of the announcement:
Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon.
Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.
Mensing was nominated by one of her students, who wrote, “She pushes her students to work their absolute best and helps them achieve their true potential.” They also added, “She makes me feel seen and heard as both a student and a person.”
The Principal of Redmond High School, Audrey Haugan, touted, “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. She is not just teaching English; she is inspiring young minds, fostering critical thinking, and helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, young adults.”
In her nomination, Mensing noted, “I have always felt like nurturing teenagers in a classroom all day comes with great responsibility to let them know the importance of their world outside.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state.
Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.
“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 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.”
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 – to 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, more than $4.1 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and over $14.5 million went to Deschutes County.
“This group of standout Oregon teachers bring their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”
On Friday, September 19, 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 as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.
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 serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Excitement is building at Redmond High School this morning with a special announcement on the way. The school is hosting a surprise reveal for the Regional Teacher of the Year award.
The recognition comes from a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery. It honors teacher excellence through nominations from students, colleagues, and administrators.
Each Regional Teacher of the Year receives a $1,000 cash prize and moves forward as a finalist for Oregon State Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in October.