Award-winning Tri-City educator named Regional Teacher of the Year
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- KSD teacher was named the 2027 ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year.
- She revamped Westgate’s Kindergarten Home Visit program to boost family engagement.
- She will compete with eight other regional finalists for the 2027 Washington State.
A Kennewick kindergarten teacher whose work has helped reshape family involvement and improve student success is being recognized on the highest regional level.
Kori Cannon, a kindergarten teacher at Westgate Elementary School, was chosen as the 2027 Educational Service District 123 Regional Teacher of the Year.
Cannon will now be the region’s representative in Washington’s state-level Teacher of the Year program put on by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
There will be eight other regional finalists in the running with Cannon to earn the statewide title. The honor highlights educators who make lasting impacts both inside and outside the classroom.
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Cannon was recognized for her work strengthening family engagement, improving student achievement and leading schoolwide initiatives that support learning beyond the classroom.
“Kori operates under the unwavering conviction that every student can achieve at high levels,” said Westgate’s Assistant Principal Traci Ronck-Curry. “She doesn’t just teach children to read and do math. She builds partnerships with families, creates a culture where students thrive, and elevates everyone around her. Kori is truly a beacon in our district.”
Cannon is especially applauded for her transformation of the Westgate’s Kindergarten Home Visit program, which encourages teachers to visit their students’ homes and establish a connection with the family, making for seamless communication to ensure the best learning outcomes for children.
She also led the implementation of the Ron Clark Academy Houses program that motivates students to connect with their community and build school spirit. Cannon serves as chair of the school’s Action Team for Partnerships to increase family and community engagement through school districts.
The Washington Teacher of the Year is expected to represent the state at leadership conferences, recognition week in Washington D.C. and serve as the Teacher-in-Residence for OSPI from January to June.
Cannon was awarded earlier this year with a Tri-City Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Education, as well as the Kennewick School District’s 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year.