Four first-year teachers in the West Ada School District have been recognized as 2026 Rookie of the Year award winners, and all four are recent graduates of Boise State University’s teacher education programs. The honors highlight the quality of instruction and preparation students receive at Idaho’s largest public university.
Principals across West Ada nominate outstanding new teachers each year based on instructional effectiveness, classroom climate, professionalism, and commitment to professional growth. This year, more than 100 new teachers entered the district, and the four selected all graduated from Boise State in May 2025 before beginning their teaching careers last fall.
Eagle Middle School Math Teacher Returns to Her Roots
Abigail Barbey teaches math and health at Eagle Middle School, the same campus she attended as a student. Barbey said the hands-on student teaching component of Boise State’s program gave her confidence and helped her build professional connections within West Ada.
She praised the relationships formed during her preparation. The connections made through the program with other teachers were valuable, Barbey said, noting she developed lifelong friendships while student teaching alongside other educators.
Returning to teach in the community where she grew up has made her first year especially meaningful, Barbey said.
California Transplants Find Career Foundation in Idaho
Reily Baron, a kindergarten teacher at Hunter Elementary School, came to Boise State from California, drawn by the university’s reputable teacher education program and welcoming environment. Baron said the program prepared her well through supportive faculty, hands-on classroom experience, and a cohort structure that built strong peer relationships.
Baron acknowledged that leading her own classroom required adapting to a wide range of student needs. Teachers handle many responsibilities behind the scenes that often go unnoticed, she said, adding that the program confirmed her passion for working with children.
Olivia Lake, a first-grade teacher at Ustick Elementary, also relocated from California to attend Boise State. Lake said the program’s emphasis on lesson planning and practical experience made instructional design feel instinctive. Creating lesson plans has become second nature because of the skills she learned, Lake said.
Lake described her first year as a significant learning experience that strengthened her teaching abilities. She said she would recommend the program to others considering the profession because it provides thorough preparation and allows graduates to enter the classroom immediately after completing their degree.
Eagle High Science Teacher Balances Classroom and Coaching
Cole Witter teaches earth science and astronomy at Eagle High School after graduating with a biology degree and teaching certificate from Boise State. Witter said the secondary education program helped him gain experience with different age groups and behaviors, confirming his preference for teaching high school students.
Witter, who also came from California, chose Boise State for its combination of outdoor recreation access and community atmosphere. He said his first year has been positive, supported by colleagues in Eagle High’s science department and through his role coaching football. Coaching has helped him understand students better outside the academic setting, Witter said.
What Comes Next for West Ada’s Award Winners
As these four educators approach their second year in the classroom, they are building on the foundation established during their rookie season. Witter is considering pursuing a master’s degree in education to further develop his teaching skills.
The West Ada School District serves more than 39,000 students across Meridian, Eagle, Star, and parts of Boise, making it Idaho’s largest school district. The recognition of four Boise State graduates in a single year’s Rookie of the Year awards reflects the university’s role in training teachers for Ada County schools.
Parents and community members interested in learning more about teaching opportunities in West Ada or Boise State’s teacher education programs can contact the respective institutions directly.