CTP Teacher Sally Golden named 2025 Oregon Teacher of the Year

State officials joined Springfield Public Schools students, staff and community leaders at the Two Rivers-Dos Ríos gymnasium to celebrate with effusive cheers and applause Special Education Teacher, Sally Golden as the 2025 Oregon Teacher of the Year. 

Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, joined Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells and Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Todd Hamilton in naming and honoring Golden during the surprise event.

During her acceptance speech, Golden spoke to the audience, including TRDR and CTP students about her strong connection to the Springfield community, the power of education and the great influence good teachers have on our lives.

“Springfield is an incredible community. I’ll aways feel like I am just a hometown girl at heart. I feel so blessed to have been able to teach for my entire career at Springfield,” said Golden. “Whatever it is you want to be in life, your teachers are going to help you at every stage of the game. Good teachers make you want to do your best. You have the power to make positive change for the people around you and the world at large.”

Golden had recently been named the Lane County Regional Teacher of Year and was officially one of four finalists for Oregon Teacher of the Year Award. 
Golden was born, raised, and attended schools in Springfield, Oregon. Golden has more than 20 years teaching experience and joined the Community Transition Program (CTP) in 2010.

Since the start of her career, she has supported more than 400 special education students (ages 18-21) and helped them reach their highest potential, pursuit of further education, and securing positions in local businesses that pay them a living wage. Thanks to her efforts, CTP has successfully partnered with dozens of local agencies and businesses to help find students a job, including Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul, Next Step Recycling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Lane Community College, and Starbucks.

Golden was presented with a $10,000 cash prize and an additional $5,000 check for the Community Transition Program she represents. In addition, she will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers in the coming year and at specific events.

“Sally’s passion and energy shine a light, not only on outstanding teaching, but also on the power of education to change lives,” said Springfield Public Schools Superintendent, Todd Hamilton.

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.

“Teachers are so special; they help you learn, care for you, and support you,” said Director of Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams. “Sally believes in every student’s ability to grow and shine. She speaks clearly, listens kindly, and works with others to make her school better for everyone.”

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, over $5.2 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Springfield School District, and over $25.7 million went to Lane County.

Pictured above: Dr. Charlene Williams (left) presents a Teacher of the Year plaque to Sally Golden, both accompanied by SPS Superintendent Todd Hamilton.