John Tuck 1st Grade Teacher Julie Gilbertson Named High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year

Redmond, OR - There was a lot of excitement at John Tuck Elementary on Wednesday morning as students and staff gathered for what they thought was a regular all-school assembly. Instead, the school came together to celebrate one of its own. First grade teacher Julie Gilbertson was surprised with the news that she has been named the 2026-27 High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year, one of 17 educators selected across Oregon as Regional Teachers of the Year. The recognition celebrates Gilbertson’s 20 years in education with the Redmond School District, including the past 11 years at John Tuck.

Gilbertson was nominated for the honor by a parent, who highlighted the lasting impact she has had on students throughout her career.
“When considering a teacher to uplift, I think the energetic powerhouse of someone like Julie Gilbertson cannot be overstated,” the parent wrote in the nomination. “Though she would never present herself or seek out such recognition, I believe she does it because that is who she is, at her core.” The parent also described Gilbertson’s ability to see the impact she has on her students year after year, noting her 20-year commitment to the school community.

For Gilbertson, creating a classroom where every student feels welcome and valued is at the heart of her work. “Creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued for their unique identity is more than a professional goal for me. It is a personal mission,” Gilbertson said. She added, “I am driven to ensure my students never feel the need to shrink themselves. I believe that to see change, one must be an example for it.”

Superintendent Charan Cline said Gilbertson’s recognition reflects not only her dedication to students, but also the relationships she has built with families. “It’s always special to see one of our own educators recognized for the incredible work they do every day,” Cline said. “Julie has made a lasting impact on students by creating a classroom where every child feels valued, respected, and comfortable being themselves.”

John Tuck Principal Dusty Porter said Gilbertson’s impact extends well beyond the walls of her classroom. “Julie has a way of making every student feel like they belong and every family feel like they are part of our school community,” Porter said. “She brings so much energy, care and purpose to her work every day. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the impact she has had on our students, our staff and our entire John Tuck community.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. The regional winners are selected through a nomination, application and review process facilitated by Oregon’s 19 Education Service Districts.
The educators are evaluated on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

As a Regional Teacher of the Year, Gilbertson will receive a $1,000 award through a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery. She is also a semifinalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall.

For the students and staff at John Tuck, Wednesday’s celebration was an opportunity to recognize an educator who has spent two decades helping students feel seen, supported and valued.

“We are so fortunate to have Julie as part of the Redmond School District,” Cline said. 

Congratulations to Julie on this well-deserved honor! 

Julie Gilbertson works with students in her first-grade classroom at John Tuck Elementary.