Boise State alumni sweep local awards for first-year teachers

Each year, principals in the West Ada School District nominate outstanding first-year teachers based on instructional effectiveness, classroom climate, professionalism and commitment to growth.

Out of over 100 new teachers in the district, all four 2026 Rookie of the Year award winners are graduates of Boise State teacher education programs. Abigail Barbey, Reily Baron, Olivia Lake and Cole Witter graduated from Boise State in May 2025 and began their careers in West Ada schools in fall 2025.

Abigail Barbey - Eagle Middle School

"The connections that I made through the program with other teachers was phenomenal," Barbey said. "I made so many lifelong friends by student teaching with so many different awesome people."

Barbey said returning to teach in her home community has been especially meaningful.

"I went to school at Eagle Middle," said Barbey. "Coming back here has been special."

Reily Baron - Hunter Elementary School

"There's a lot that I think teachers do behind the scenes that gets overlooked a little bit," Baron said.

Originally from California, Baron said she chose Boise State for its reputable teacher education program, welcoming environment and opportunity for a fresh start. She credits the teacher education program with preparing her through supportive faculty, hands-on experience and a cohort model that fostered strong peer connections.

"I think (the program) prepared me really well," she said. "I've always had a passion for working with kids, and the program showed me all the reasons why this was the profession for me."

Olivia Lake - Ustick Elementary School

"It's almost second nature for me to create a lesson in my head, and I do think that's because of the program," Lake said. "I learned so many skills, and I felt very confident coming into my first year because of that."

Lake describes her first year of teaching as a significant learning experience that strengthened her teaching skills and prepared her for future growth.

Originally from California, Lake chose Boise State for its opportunities and scholarship support, adding that she would encourage others considering teaching to pursue the program for its strong preparation and direct pathway into the profession.

"The teacher education program at Boise State will make sure you're as prepared as you can be," she said. "And it also allows you to go straight into your first year after graduating, which is huge. You can get right into your career after, while feeling prepared."

Cole Witter - Eagle High School

"The program helped me get experience with different age groups and different behaviors," Witter said. "It helped me determine where I wanted to be - I knew I wanted to be (teaching) in high school."

Witter had a positive experience his first year of teaching, supported by colleagues in the science department (at Eagle High) and coaching football, which he said helps him better understand students outside the classroom.

"I had an opportunity to coach football, and that was a ton of fun. It helps me understand (students) a little bit better," he said. "The science department has been nothing but helpful. They've been so supportive."

Witter, also originally from California, chose Boise State for its balance of outdoor access and community. As he approaches his second year of teaching, Witter is considering pursuing a master's degree in education.

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