The Kellogg School District (KSD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 District Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year awards. KSD Board of Trustees Chair Alexa Griffin presented the prestigious honors during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on May 12.
Teacher of the Year
Cory North, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Kellogg High School, has been named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Mr. North was selected for his exceptional dedication and multifaceted contributions to the district. Nominations highlighted his success in modernizing the high school’s shop program through community partnerships and grant procurement, as well as his leadership in the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Beyond the classroom, Mr. North is recognized as a tireless team player, often stepping in to support colleagues during staff shortages and acting as a dedicated mentor and coach for students across multiple grade levels.
While Mr. North took home the top honor, the District also recognized the outstanding contributions of the other finalists:
Jamie Haralson, Kellogg Middle School
Christina Derbyshire, Pinehurst Elementary
Classified Employee of the Year The district also honored Jessie Sager, a special education paraprofessional at Canyon Elementary Science Magnet School, as the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. Working in a unique model where the school serves special education students without an on-site teacher, Ms. Sager was praised for her exceptional organization and expertise in delivering individualized instruction and monitoring student progress.
"Our special education program, in its current form, succeeds because of her dedication, skill, and initiative," noted Canyon Elementary Principal Jenny Ferreira. Ms. Sager was specifically commended for her commitment to the "Science of Reading" and her innovative use of reading pen technology to help students access grade-level materials independently. Her contributions extend beyond academics, including her initiative in securing donations and family volunteer hours to improve playground safety and school facilities.
The other distinguished nominees for Classified Employee of the Year included:
Audrey Wadsworth, Pinehurst Elementary
Maya Cutler, Kellogg High School
Dawn Jennings, Kellogg Middle School
"We are incredibly fortunate to have educators and staff of this caliber within our district," said Alexa Griffin, Board Chair. "Honoring individuals like Cory and Jessie reminds us of the profound impact our entire team has on the future of the students in our community."
For more information about the Kellogg School District and its programs, please visit www.kelloggschools.org