The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) has named Katie Coursey, an educator at Windsor Middle School, the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for January 2026.

Coursey, who teaches 7th grade English, honors English, AVID, and a Farm to Table class, was recognized during a surprise classroom visit on Jan. 27. Representatives from SCOE and local radio stations, as well as Windsor Middle Principal Angela West and Windsor Unified School District officials, including Superintendent Jeremy Decker, came together for the celebration.

The recognition, which honors exceptional public school teachers across Sonoma County, is organized by SCOE in partnership with local radio stations. The stations air ads that invite community members to submit nominations and celebrate the winning teacher.

Coursey was nominated for the recognition by both students in her classes and members of their families. They expressed appreciation for Coursey’s supportive and positive approach to teaching and highlighted the challenge of staying prepared for four different courses.

“She is my daughter’s favorite teacher,” wrote one parent. “My student has already learned so much about where food comes from and tried all sorts of new dishes in her Farm to Table class.”

“Her way of teaching in class is really direct and helpful,” said one student. Another said, “She always makes the classes super fun and is helping me grow.”

Principal West praised Coursey’s leadership on campus, her guidance, and the role she plays in setting the tone for staff.

“She brings so much … sense of humor and banter and fun in our adult staff world,” West said. “I can always go to her and ask for anything. … She’s a rock, and I just appreciate her so much.”

Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, whose office organizes the Teacher of the Month program, celebrated Coursey’s versatility, positivity, and collaboration.

“As a former principal, I have deep appreciation and respect for anyone who can engage students across four different classes, serve as a model and leader for their peers, and act as a trusted adviser to administration,” Carter said. “Ms. Coursey stands out with her ability to do it all.”

As the Teacher of the Month, Coursey received a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union and a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA in Santa Rosa.

About the Teacher of the Month Promotion

Each month, SCOE reviews nominations in English and Spanish submitted through our website by students, families, and staff from Sonoma County’s public school districts and charters and selects one teacher to honor.

The Teacher of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Sonoma County Office of Education, Froggy 92.9, Exitos 98.7, Latino 100.9, and Hot 101.7 radio stations and sponsors Community First Credit Union and Sonoma County Family YMCA.

To nominate an outstanding teacher for future consideration, learn more about the program, or read about past winners, click here.