Member Recognition

Andrew Phillips Named American Legion Teacher of the Year 2026

CVEA member Andrew Phillips — known affectionately as Mr. Books — was honored by the American Legion Vernon J. Baker Post 241 of Spokane Valley as the 2026 Teacher of the Year, recognizing 28 years of service to Central Valley School District students.

Commander Richard C. Hamley of American Legion Post 241 presents the 2026 Teacher of the Year citation to Andrew Phillips — Commander Richard C. Hamley (left), American Legion Post 241, presents the 2026 Teacher of the Year citation to Andrew Phillips.

For nearly three decades, Mr. Books has taught students from kindergarten through fifth grade, consistently going above and beyond — teaching not only academic skills but the life skills students carry forward.

As a librarian across three schools, he has fostered a love of reading and engaged the community through Scholastic Book Fairs for more than ten years, adding over 3,000 new titles — including materials supporting alternative instruction and special education classrooms.

He also teaches digital literacy and online safety, provides financial literacy instruction to fifth graders district-wide, and offers weekly one-on-one reading tutoring during school hours for students who need extra support.

"With unwavering commitment, innovation, and extraordinary service, Mr. Books is truly deserving of the American Legion Teacher of the Year Award for 2026."

— Richard C. Hamley, Commander, Post 241

American Legion Vernon J. Baker Post 241 Teacher of the Year 2026 citation for Andrew Phillips — The full citation from American Legion Vernon J. Baker Post 241, Spokane Valley, WA.

Ashley Loncon receives the 2026 Lilac Festival Teacher of the Year award with Lilac Princess Chloe Nelson and colleagues

Featured Story

Spokane Valley Tech Teacher Named Lilac Festival Teacher of the Year

Spokane Valley Tech teacher Ashley Loncon has been named the 2026 Lilac Festival Teacher of the Year, an honor presented by Lilac Princess Chloe Nelson.

Loncon teaches freshman health and fitness, leadership, and foundations of education at Spokane Valley Tech. She also serves as the school's graduation coordinator — a role colleagues and students say reflects her leadership and steady presence throughout the building.

After spending three years in Loncon's classroom, Nelson described her as "the backbone of SVT," praising her creativity, resilience, and positive attitude in overcoming challenges, including teaching physical education without access to a traditional gym space.

"Mrs. Loncon is the backbone of SVT."

— Chloe Nelson, Lilac Princess

Ashley Loncon hugs Lilac Princess Chloe Nelson during the surprise classroom recognition

Ashley Loncon smiling alongside Lilac Princess Chloe Nelson

The award, supported by Gesa Credit Union, included a stipend, plaque, and gift basket presented during a surprise classroom recognition.

Loncon will also be featured in an upcoming interview with KHQ-TV and will ride on the teacher float during the Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 16. Princess Chloe Nelson will ride alongside her on the Lilac Princess float.

Member Recognition

Teacher of the Year

Ashley Loncon

Spokane Valley Tech — 2026 Lilac Festival Teacher of the Year

Retiring Excellence

2025 CVEA Retirees

Honoring a combined century of service to our students

Community Leader

Suzanne Smith

Represented Washington at Language Advocacy Days

Association Updates

Apr 11, 2026
The Last CVEA Holdouts at WEA RA 2026
Mar 28, 2026
CVEA Represented at 2026 WEA PoliSparks
Mar 14, 2026
Certificated Appreciation Week Recognition

Grants & Scholarships

Investing in our educators and their families. CVEA members have received nearly $100,000 in WEA Eastern COP Grants over the past 14 years.

View 2025–2026 Recipients →

Advocacy & Legislative

Read the Legislative Update

CVEA at WEA PoliSparks 2026

Bunni Carter and Teresa Whittall from University High School attended two days of political training in Olympia — strengthening CVEA's voice where decisions about our schools, contracts, and working conditions are made.

Educator Voice in Olympia

During a heavy session for schools, colleges, educators, and our students, take a minute to email your senator and pass school bonds with a simple majority.

School Voucher Initiatives

A briefing on the proposed Washington State school voucher initiatives — what they would mean for public school funding, and what members can do about it.

Wally, Bunni, Suzanne, Courtney, and David at the CVSD school board meeting holding CVEA certificates

Member Recognition

Certificated Appreciation Week Recognition

Wally, Bunni, Suzanne, Courtney, and David were pleased to receive a Certificated Appreciation Week certificate and cookie from CVSD at Monday night's school board meeting.

Representative Assembly

The Last CVEA Holdouts at WEA RA 2026

Three Central Valley Education Association members represented their schools all the way through the final moments of the WEA Representative Assembly.

Ashley Pittenger (GES), Pam Popp (OES), and Courtney Wright (EMS) are pictured closing out RA 2026 just before midnight on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Their commitment and presence ensured CVEA was represented until the very end.

Ashley Pittenger, Pam Popp, and Courtney Wright at the close of WEA RA 2026 — Ashley Pittenger (GES), Pam Popp (OES), and Courtney Wright (EMS) just before midnight at the conclusion of WEA RA 2026.

Leslie Geldien receives the Most Valuable Educator Award, surrounded by colleagues and family — Leslie Geldien (second from left), a fifth-grade teacher at Opportunity Elementary in Spokane Valley, receives the Most Valuable Educator Award. (Courtesy of TDS Telecommunications)

Member Recognition

25-Year Central Valley Teacher Recognized for Exceptional Impact on Students

Leslie Geldien, a fifth-grade teacher at Opportunity Elementary School, has been named the recipient of the Spokane Most Valuable Educator Award. The award, presented by TDS Telecommunications in partnership with Gonzaga University Athletics, recognizes educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their communities. Geldien was selected from approximately 100 nominations.

Colleagues describe her as a teacher marked by compassion, patience, and steady care for her students. Her daily work includes not only classroom instruction, but also personal attention to students' needs through encouragement, check-ins, and practical support. Geldien was surprised with the award during a school assembly. As part of the recognition, she received a Gonzaga Athletics prize package, including game tickets, in-game recognition, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the McCarthey Athletic Center for her students. With 25 years of service at Opportunity Elementary, her influence extends well beyond the classroom, with many former students returning over the years to express their gratitude.

Advocacy

CVEA Represented at 2026 WEA PoliSparks

Bunni Carter and Teresa Whittall from University High School attended two days of political training and engagement in Olympia as part of the 2026 WEA PoliSparks program.

Their participation strengthens CVEA's advocacy efforts as legislative decisions made in Olympia directly shape our schools, contracts, and working conditions.

Group photo of WEA PoliSparks 2026 attendees in Olympia, including CVEA's Bunni Carter and Teresa Whittall — Bunni and Teresa can be found to the right in front of the door.

Grants & Awards

2025–2026 WEA Eastern COP Grant Recipients from CVEA

CVEA is proud to recognize the 2025–2026 WEA Eastern COP Grant recipients. Over the past 14 years serving as WEA Eastern Treasurer, Wally Watson has advocated for and voted to approve nearly $100,000 in grants that have directly benefited CVEA members and Central Valley School District communities.

These grants are made possible through the collective participation and engagement of our members. Additional photos and grant presentations will be shared as they become available.

Central Valley HS Unified Sports team with COP Grant — Central Valley High School
CV Unified Sports — COP Grant

Mica Peak Elementary staff and students with COP Grant — Mica Peak Elementary
Mica Peak Grant

View all grant recipients →

Suzanne Smith, Ridgeline High School educator and CVEA Secretary.

Advocacy

CVEA Member Represents Washington at Language Advocacy Days

Suzanne Smith, Ridgeline High School educator and CVEA Secretary, has been asked to represent the Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers at Language Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.

Language Advocacy Days brings together language educators from across the country for two days of connection, action, and impact. Advocates from every state gather with a shared goal: ensuring all students in America have access to high-quality language education.

During her visit, participants take part in a policy summit and meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for world language programs and language learning opportunities nationwide.

CVEA is proud to recognize Suzanne for representing both her profession and our local educators at the national level.

Recognition

Emily Jackson Named NonStop Local Teacher of the Month

Emily Jackson of University Elementary School has been recognized as the NonStop Local Eastern Washington University Teacher of the Month by KHQ and EWU. CVEA congratulates Emily on this well-deserved honor celebrating her impact on students and her school community.

Watch the KHQ Story →

Emily Jackson with a student at University Elementary School — Emily Jackson, University Elementary School, NonStop Local Eastern Washington University Teacher of the Month.

2025 Central Valley School District retirees group photo

Member Recognition

Celebrating Our 2025 Central Valley Retirees

We honor the dedication, service, and impact of this year’s retirees from the Central Valley School District. Thank you for your many years of shaping lives, building community, and leaving a lasting legacy in education. Congratulations and blessings on your next chapter!

National Teacher Appreciation Week

CVEA Members Recognized at School Board Meeting

May 5th – May 9th

Wally, Bunni, and Danielle at School Board meeting in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Wally, Bunni, and Danielle at the School Board meeting in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week — Wally, Bunni, and Danielle at School Board meeting in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week.