A Kennewick School District teacher has been named the 2027 Washington State Teacher of the Year. 

Kori Cannon, a multilingual learner kindergarten teacher at Westgate Elementary School, received the honor from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction on Oct. 10.  

Cannon began her work in public education as a substitute teacher for the Kennewick School District in 2010. She started in her own kindergarten classroom two years later. She has taught students from 22 countries throughout her 16 years in education.  

Cannon has also led school climate initiatives through the Ron Clark Academy and led Westgate’s Action Team for Partnerships, which received national recognition from Johns Hopkins University. 

She’s also received been honored by the district. She was named the district’s 2026 Crystal Apple Award winner, an award that recognizes exceptional educators who make a lasting impact on students and their communities and also the district’s 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year for her dedication to students, families and public education.

“Kori’s infectious enthusiasm makes our school a place where children truly want to be,” said Traci Ronck-Curry, assistant principal at Westgate Elementary, in a statement. “Her ‘can-do’ attitude, paired with her deep compassion and professional drive, makes her an invaluable asset to our families and a source of inspiration for her peers.” 

Cannon will now represent Washington state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.