Washington Paraeducator Named State Employee of the Year

Dana Wilson receives state-level honor for her role in supporting student basic needs and multilingual learning in Washougal.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration of a student desk holding patterned flashcards and fruit, representing support for student learning. — Dana Wilson of the Washougal School District was named Washington's 2026 State Classified School Employee of the Year for her community work. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has named Dana Wilson, a paraeducator in the Washougal School District, as the 2026 State Classified School Employee of the Year. Wilson is recognized for her dedicated work supporting multilingual learners and connecting families with essential community resources.

Why it matters

This award highlights the vital role that support staff play in meeting students' basic needs and fostering inclusive classroom environments across Washington school districts. It recognizes the tangible impact that paraeducators have on the daily educational and social experiences of students and their families.

Dana Wilson has served in Washington public education for 10 years, beginning her career as a volunteer before transitioning to her current role as a paraeducator. Her selection as the 2026 State Classified School Employee of the Year marks a decade of service in the Washougal School District.

The players

Dana Wilson

A veteran paraeducator in the Washougal School District who focuses on multilingual learners and community resource coordination.

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

The state agency responsible for overseeing Washington's K-12 education system and recognizing excellence in school staff.

The details

In her role, Wilson works closely with the district family resource coordinator and family liaison to address the fundamental needs of students. She also provides specialized academic support to multilingual learners and contributes to the broader school ecosystem through her board membership with the Washougal Schools Foundation and active participation in local booster clubs and the Unite Washougal Community Coalition.

2026: Dana Wilson named Classified School Employee of the Year.
2016: Dana Wilson began her public education career.

The Home Front

This award follows the established trend of recognizing support staff excellence within the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's annual Classified School Employee of the Year program. It underscores the ongoing state-level focus on valuing the staff members who directly support student logistics and family outreach.

Families in the Washougal School District can reach out to their school's family liaison or resource coordinator to understand how support services, such as those provided by staff like Wilson, might benefit their own children. Parents should also look for opportunities to engage with local booster clubs or school foundations to strengthen these essential support networks.

The takeaway

Recognizing the educators and support staff who serve as community connectors is a key way to stay informed about local student support systems. Families can support these efforts by staying active in school foundation activities or checking with district offices for updated resources available to help meet basic needs.