Pasco School District honors principals and names Gabriela Whitemarsh Washington State Teacher of the Year

The Pasco School Board honored principals and assistant principals in recognition of National Principals Month and presented a district commendation to Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual mathematics teacher at Pasco High School, who was named the 2026 Washington State Teacher of the Year.

During the meeting, district staff invited principals and assistant principals forward for a group photo and a short recognition. Assistant Superintendent Tess Meyer (presenting) described principals as "the heartbeat of our schools," and noted the district's 17 elementary schools, four middle schools, six high schools, four digital learning programs and the early learning center.

District staff said Whitemarsh was surprised with the honor Sept. 27 at a ceremony in Olympia and is the first Pasco teacher to receive the statewide title since 2008. Staff described Whitemarsh's Advanced Multilingual Mathematics program, launched in 2018, which the presentation said has allowed multilingual newcomer students to access advanced math courses; presenters said 92 students have completed advanced math courses through that program and 41 students have earned between five and 20 college math credits.

The board announced that Whitemarsh will be added to the district's wall of distinction outside the boardroom and that STCU donated a $100 gift card in recognition. Board members and staff thanked principals and Whitemarsh for their leadership.

Provenance: Recognition and presentation segments from the meeting.