Lake honored as region’s top teacher

Published 1:37 pm Friday, July 26, 2024

A longtime music instructor at the Ocean Beach School District was honored last month as the region’s teacher of the year “for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to her students and the community.”

Educational Service District 112, the ESD that serves school districts in six southwest Washington counties, announced Ilwaco High School’s Rachel Lake as its 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year.

Lake has taught in Ilwaco for 16 years, and along with band, jazz band and choir also teaches drama and history. She’s served in a variety of leadership positions during her tenure, including ASB adviser, union president, music association president and small schools representative for the Washington Music Educators Association, and is an adviser for extracurricular activities including Music Club, Pep Band and Drama.

“Receiving the Regional Teacher of the Year award is an immense honor and a deeply humbling experience,” Lake said in a statement. “It reaffirms my dedication to fostering a love for learning in my students and highlights the importance of creating an inclusive and engaging educational environment. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to inspire my students to reach their full potential.”

In its news release, ESD 112 credited Lake for playing an instrumental role in IHS being recognized as one of the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education.

“Her efforts to meet her students’ diverse needs and foster a deep appreciation for music have significantly enriched the school and the community,” ESD 112 said, noting Lake’s commitment to offering students experiences outside of the classroom, such as visiting college music programs and attending and taking part in performances across the state and as far away as Florida, Texas and Hawaii.

IHS Principal Sheena Burke called Lake a “model educator” who goes above and beyond to support her students’ learning and growth. “Rachel is an amazing colleague who inspires other small school programs to reach for the stars.”

ESD 112 also highlighted Lake’s community service, noting that she organizes performances at local senior centers and has played a pivotal role in the formation of the school’s mariachi band to celebrate and share the heritage of Hispanic students.

Lake has previously been recognized twice as the Southwest Washington Music Educators Association Teacher of the Year, and was named the American Legion Teacher of the Year for the region in 2017.

“Rachel Lake’s recognition as the 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year is a testament to her exceptional educational contributions. Her influence continues to inspire students, colleagues, and the broader community,” ESD 112 said.

Along with receiving a plaque recognizing her as the region’s teacher of the year, Lake will have access to unique professional development opportunities from Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and will have the chance to speak to local and statewide education leaders about issues important to her and her students.

The Washington State Teacher of the Year, chosen among the regional honorees by a state selection committee, will be selected during an annual award ceremony in September.