DoDEA Pacific East Announces 2026 District Teacher of the Year

The Department of Defense Education Activity – Pacific Region is pleased to announce Zama Middle High School educator Ms. Lauren Rosa has been named the Pacific East District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

“I am overwhelmed by this incredible honor, and I am truly blessed to be recognized,” Rosa said. I am humbled to receive this award, especially in the Pacific East with so many outstanding educators who serve our military connected students. I will continue to do the very best for our students, striving to make a difference in their lives.”

Rosa teaches Advanced Placement Human Geography and Fine Arts at Zama Middle High School, where she has served as an educator since 2018. Her 29 years of experience as an educator also include teaching in Florida at Ramblewood Middle and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She was teaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas when a shooter opened fire on the high school campus on Feb. 14, 2018, killing 17 people. She said this experience impacted her personally and professionally, changing her pedagogical priorities.

“It was pivotal in re-evaluating what was important to me in education and my students,” she said. “It made me more focused on the whole child, which includes many aspects.”

Rosa values building relationships with students. Her first year at Zama Middle High School, she sponsored clubs and took on lunch duty to ensure she was visible and available to support students. 

It was Rosa’s brother, also an educator, who encouraged her to pursue teaching as a career.

“I was at a crossroads in my life,” she said.  “I went back to school, finished my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and education credentials at the same time, then was assigned the most wonderful veteran teacher, who became my mentor.  I observed and worked in her South Florida middle school classroom and being around the students solidified my choice to become an art teacher.  The daily interactions with her students in her classroom were the most wonderful experience; her passion was contagious. The way she managed her classroom and created engaging assignments is something I have worked at over the years, but the students are the best part of what I do every day.  Even on a challenging day, making a difference with students is the most incredible part of education and I enjoy the privilege of coming to work every day, interacting with them, and being a small part of their artistic and educational journey.”

Rosa holds an associate’s degree from Broward Community College as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Education, both from Florida Atlantic University.

She is currently part of the Pacific East District’s onboarding and mentoring working groups.

“I am hoping to continue to be a part of the conversation in which we can improve the way we support and welcome new teachers into our DoDEA schools, so they can be successful from day one,” Rosa said.