Dana Wilson, a multilingual learner paraeducator with the Washougal School District, has been named the 2026 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The statewide honor recognizes Wilson's exceptional dedication to student success, her advocacy for multilingual learners and their families, and her commitment to fostering a school culture in which every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.
Wilson was named the 2026 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year by Educational Service District 112. She was selected from among regional honorees across Washington for the state's highest recognition for classified school employees.
“I'm incredibly honored to receive this award and to represent the dedicated classified staff who make a difference for students every day,” Wilson said. “For me, this work has always been about building relationships, helping students overcome challenges, and ensuring every child knows they belong and have a bright future. I'm fortunate to work alongside so many people who share that commitment.”
“Dana Wilson exemplifies the best of Washougal School District,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Aaron Hansen. “Her dedication, collaborative spirit, and ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families create the trust and sense of belonging students need to thrive. Dana approaches her work with skill, kindness and humility, always focusing on student success. This statewide recognition is a fitting tribute to her impact, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with her.”
Since joining the Washougal School District in 2017, Wilson has become a trusted advocate for multilingual learners, supporting students in elementary and middle school. Her work extends beyond academic instruction to address the social, emotional and basic needs that can affect a student's ability to learn.
Wilson works closely with teachers, family support staff, counselors, and social workers to identify barriers to student success, strengthen family connections, and ensure students receive individualized support. She also regularly monitors academic progress and adjusts instructional strategies to help students build confidence and achieve their goals.
“Dana understands that learning cannot happen without trust,” wrote David Cooke, principal of Jemtegaard Middle School, in his letter supporting her nomination. “For many of our immigrant students, life experiences have made trust difficult.”
Cooke credits Wilson's nurturing approach, high expectations, and unwavering belief in her students with building the relationships that lead to academic success. He noted that multilingual learners at his school have achieved the highest attendance rate among all student groups in the building and have demonstrated the school's highest growth in academic performance.
“Dana has an extraordinary ability to make students feel seen, valued and capable of achieving great things,” Cooke said. “She builds the kind of trust that changes how students see themselves and what they believe is possible for their futures. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we couldn't be prouder to see her recognized at the state level.”
One of Wilson's most notable contributions was Dream Big, a schoolwide initiative inspired by the Kids at Hope framework. After completing the program's training, Wilson brought together school staff and community partners to develop an experience that helps students imagine and plan for their futures.
Through Dream Big, students and families connected with more than two dozen professionals and community representatives, including health care providers, athletes, university representatives, and community service organizations. The event encouraged students to explore possibilities across four areas of their lives: home and family, education and career, hobbies and recreation, and community and service.
After the event, students created posters that illustrated their aspirations in each area. According to Wilson, every participating student articulated future goals across all four areas.
“I firmly believe that if children can see it, they can dream it,” Wilson wrote in her award application.
Wilson's contributions extend beyond her work with multilingual learners. She has supported the district's K-5 Dual Language Spanish Program, collaborated with classroom teachers to strengthen instruction, and volunteered extensively in district and community activities, including the district's school foundation.
Wilson also shares her expertise with educators across the region. For the past two years, she has served as a co-presenter and facilitated table discussions at ESD 112's spring Multilingual Mini-Conference. She has also presented strategies to strengthen family engagement, helping other educators build meaningful connections with the students and families they serve.
Her colleagues describe her as a dependable team member who readily steps in to support students and staff wherever needed.
As Washington's 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year, Wilson will represent the important contributions of classified school employees and will have opportunities to participate in professional learning, leadership development, and education advocacy.
The Classified School Employee of the Year program honors outstanding classified employees whose work makes a meaningful difference for students, schools, and communities across Washington.
To learn more about the award, visit OSPI's Classified School Employee of the Year webpage.
Information provided by Educational Service District 112.
Comments
Loading comments…