Capital High School Teacher Scott Le Duc Named 2027 ESD 113 Regional Teacher of the Year

Educational Service District (ESD) 113 has selected Scott Le Duc, a Media Arts and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Olympia School District’s Capital High School, as our 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year.

“Scott is an innovative educator whose systems-forward thinking helps students become the best versions of themselves,” ESD 113 Superintendent Dr. Flip Herndon said. “His leadership in CTE centers student-led learning and the sharing of knowledge to prepare students for the industry post-high school.”

Le Duc’s approach to instruction places student agency at the center of learning and directly addresses modern industry challenges. 

“Scott is widely respected by students, families, colleagues, and industry partners,” Capital High School Principal Condee Wood said. “Students describe him as both demanding and deeply supportive—an educator who pushes them to achieve more than they believed possible.”

Le Duc teaches courses such as Game Design, Film Cinematography, and International Baccalaureate Film—and he often teaches multiple levels of the same course in a single class period. At the center of his teaching philosophy is a simple but powerful idea: students should direct their own learning.

In his courses, success is measured by effort and growth. Students co-create rubrics to evaluate their work, provide feedback on classroom culture, and shape projects alongside industry professionals who serve on advisory boards for each course.

Capital High School graduate Abby Dyck has served on one of Le Duc's advisory board since 2018. She walked into Le Duc's film class in 2014 as a freshman who was “quiet, anxious, and unsure about myself.”

Today, she works as a full-time VFX coordinator in Vancouver, B.C. She credits Le Duc’s mentorship throughout three years of film classes for helping her find her confidence and thrive in college—and beyond.

“He is without a doubt the most engaging and dynamic teacher I’ve ever had,” Dyck said, “But what made him the best teacher I've ever had is the deep, abiding care he has for his students and his sincere investment in their futures.”

Le Duc's influence doesn't stop at his classroom door. This year, he launched a staff AI committee and produces monthly "AI-Minute" videos for staff meetings, helping colleagues use emerging technology to strengthen their own teaching. His 28 years at Capital High School have shaped not just thousands of students, but the school's broader learning culture.

“Scott Le Duc exemplifies the innovation, expertise, and commitment that define Washington’s most impactful educators,” Wood said. “His influence extends far beyond his classroom, shaping our school’s learning culture and preparing students for meaningful futures.”

More Information

• ESD 113 Regional Recognition
• OSPI Teacher of the Year