Oregon Department of Education - Oregon Achieves Together

NEWS RELEASE: Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Celebrates 17 Regional Winners for 2023-24

Oregon Department of Education sent this bulletin at 09/22/2023 11:30 AM PDT

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NEWS RELEASE
September 22, 2023
Oregon Department of Education Media Contact: Marc Siegel
Oregon Lottery Media Contact: Melanie Mesaros

Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Celebrates
17 Regional Winners for 2023-24

Oregon educators honored for their outstanding leadership and impact.

(Salem, OR) – Today, the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Oregon’s 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year! All across the state this week, communities have held celebrations recognizing these 17 regional winners.

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.

“Congratulations to every Regional Teacher of the Year. These impressive educators inspire possibility and promise both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Dr. Charlene Williams, interim director of the Oregon Department of Education. “It's vitally important to recognize the essential role that teachers play in their communities and to honor the many contributions they make in the lives of students all across Oregon. Earning this recognition means that an educator has built strong relationships and partnerships with students and families and empowered students to reach their fullest potential.”

Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by Education Service Districts. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

Each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award from the Oregon Lottery and is automatically considered for the honor of 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced later this fall.

“Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” said Mike Wells, interim director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and ability to uplift their communities.”

Congratulations to our 2023-24 Oregon Regional Teachers of the Year! Photos and news releases from each region are available in the links below.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school).

For your convenience, a Spanish Language version of this press release is available.

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