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Scott Le Duc, a career and technical education arts and technology teacher at Capital High School, has been selected as the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Olympia School District.
Le Duc was surprised by the announcement during a staff meeting at Capital High School, where colleagues gathered to celebrate the recognition.
“The first thought wasn’t really a thought,” Le Duc said. “I was speechless. I was leaning against the back wall, absolutely awestruck. Time stood still. I don’t think I was breathing.”
Then another thought crossed his mind.
“Keep it together, Scott,” he recalled thinking. “Don’t cry in front of everybody.”
After the initial shock, Le Duc said he quickly began thinking about the people around him. “I looked around the room, and I could see people who could replace me in this honor,” he said. “There are so many people at Capital worthy of this recognition, and I feel privileged and humbled to represent us.”
Le Duc teaches courses including Game Design, Film Cinematography, and Music Production, in which students work on collaborative, real-world projects that mirror industry expectations. His classes often include multiple course levels at the same time, requiring thoughtful planning and differentiation to support students with a wide range of interests, abilities and experience levels.
“Scott brings creativity, energy and purpose to everything he does,” said Paula Perryman, OSD’s director of Career and Technical Education. “Whether he’s guiding students through filmmaking, music or game design, he makes learning meaningful and engaging. His colleagues admire his collaborative mindset, and his students know they have a teacher who genuinely believes in their potential.”
Le Duc’s work also extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with industry professionals and postsecondary institutions that help students see clear pathways from school to future careers.
“Scott is an extraordinary educator whose expertise, innovation and leadership have a profound impact on students, colleagues and our broader community,” said Condee Wood, Capital High School Principal. “He creates learning experiences that challenge students to think creatively, collaborate and see themselves as professionals.”
Wood said the impact of Le Duc’s programs can also be seen in the opportunities students earn after leaving his classroom. Graduates of his Game Design Class have been so well prepared that DigiPen Institute of Technology has committed to covering 75% of tuition for students who earn an A in his class.
While students gain technical skills in filmmaking, music and design, Le Duc said the most important lessons go beyond the tools and technology.
“Life skills,” he said. “I want students to learn how to manage themselves, think critically and solve problems. I want them to organize their work, show evidence of growth and develop leadership and accountability. Most importantly, I want students to find their voice and embrace their uniqueness. They are powerful and incredibly capable.”
Le Duc often encourages students to think about storytelling as the foundation of creative work.
“Humans are storytelling animals,” he said. “Storytellers rule the world. I encourage students to explore the stories they love and ask why those stories resonate with them. Then start crafting their own stories and keep refining their craft.”
He encourages students interested in filmmaking, music or game design to start creating and learning through the process.
“As soon as you finish one story experience, craft another,” Le Duc said. “And another.”
Following the announcement on district social media platforms, parents and community members shared messages of congratulations, describing the recognition as well-deserved and praising the lasting impact Le Duc has had on students long after they graduate from Capital High School.
Community members are invited to celebrate Le Duc’s recognition during a special presentation before the Olympia School District Board of Directors meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E. in Olympia, or by Zoom.
Congratulations to Scott Le Duc on this well-deserved recognition as Olympia School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year…rock on!
Classified School Employee of the Year is an annual statewide program through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It begins with local nominations from school districts across Washington, with the opportunity to advance to regional and state recognition.