DoWEA announces Sasha Rodriguez-Espada as 2026 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise

Ms. Sasha Rodriguez-Espada, a kindergarten teacher at Lakenheath Elementary School, has been selected as the 2026 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise.

This award recognizes early-career educators in their first three years of teaching who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success and a strong, ongoing commitment to growth and improvement.

Ms. Rodriguez-Espada joined DoWEA in 2022 serving as a paraprofessional while completing her master’s degree, and later as a long-term substitute teacher before becoming a kindergarten teacher at LES in 2025.
“Working alongside her, I’ve seen firsthand the passion and purpose she brings to early childhood education every single day,” said Lakenheath Elementary School Principal David Burkett. “She is deeply committed to creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that not only spark curiosity but also build the critical foundational skills our youngest learners need to succeed.”

Guided by the belief that meaningful relationships strengthen learning, Ms. Rodriguez-Espada prioritizes creating a classroom environment where students feel safe to take academic risks, share their thinking, and engage deeply with content while building independence, resilience, and confidence as learners.

“Sasha’s passion for teaching and her unwavering focus on her students’ growth are truly inspiring,” said Dr. Jason Ter Horst, DoWEA Europe West District Superintendent. “She represents the very best of our early-career educators, bringing energy, innovation and a deep commitment to every child she serves.”

Her commitment to the school community extends beyond the classroom. Ms. Rodriguez-Espada currently serves as vice president of the School Advisory Committee (SAC), where she collaborates with families, staff, and leadership to support student success.

Ms. Rodriguez-Espada holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Elementary Education from Western Governors University.
The Educator of Promise Award was created in 2019 to honor the legacy and service of retired Senior Leader and long-time educator Dr. Linda L. Curtis. Among her contributions of more than 30 years of service to DoWEA was her support and recognition of teachers as leaders and her advancement of a teacher leadership initiative across DoWEA. 

The Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise Program begins with school-level nominations submitted by a teacher’s peers or administrators. From these submissions, regional selection panels in DoWEA Europe, Pacific, and the Americas review applications and identify nine candidates to advance to the next stage. DoWEA Headquarters then evaluates the finalists’ applications and conducts interviews with the top candidates. Based on these interviews, the selection panel makes a recommendation to the DoWEA Director, who makes the final selection.

Learn more about the Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise Program, including points of contact, at www.dodea.edu/eop