Cordata’s Ruwani Brohier named Regional Teacher of the Year by NWESD

Cordata Elementary School fifth grade teacher Ruwani Brohier has been honored as the 2026 Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD) Teacher of the Year, announced in late May. 

Brohier is revered for her ability to balance warmth and expectation for her students, resulting in calm and highly-productive learning environments that have changed trajectories for fifth grade students preparing for middle school.   

She also skillfully connects to students by utilizing their cultural backgrounds in her lesson planning. 

“One of my favorite ways to build connections between home and school is to bring each student’s culture directly into my classroom and the lessons I teach,” Brohier said. “I encourage students to share their culture and family traditions in morning meetings, community circles, and via presentations or artifacts. Students love to teach their classmates greetings and phrases in their home languages, so I capitalize on this during morning circle time. It is a beautiful and unifying way to start the day.” 

Click here to learn more about Brohier’s impact in the news release from the NWESD. 

The Regional Teacher of the Year program celebrates educators who exhibit exceptional teaching skills and provides them with a platform to advocate for educational issues close to their hearts. Award recipients like Brohier have the opportunity to deliver trainings or workshops at the NWESD and may be invited to serve as trainers or speakers in regional school districts. 

Brohier’s achievement as a regional winner now positions her to compete against eight other finalists from Educational Service Districts across Washington State for the title of 2026 State Teacher of the Year. The Washington Teacher of the Year program, overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), recognizes educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching practices and make a significant impact on students’ lives. 

Brohier was the 2024 Great Teaching Award recipient for the 2024 Promise Awards. The Promise Awards program recognizes the exemplary achievements and contributions of staff and volunteers connected to The Bellingham Promise, our district’s strategic plan. The prior year’s Great Teaching Award recipient from BPS is annually nominated for the NWESD Teacher of the Year Award.