Oregon Celebrates 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year
(Salem, OR) – Today, the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Oregon’s 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Over the past week, communities all across the state have held celebrations recognizing these 18 regional winners.
Classroom teachers in Oregon are essential to creating conditions for students to experience belonging, wellness, and academic excellence. The Oregon Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors educators who lead with the exceptional dedication, knowledge, and skills that place those values at the center of their practice.
“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”
Each year, regional winners are identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by regional Education Service Districts. Applicants submit essays and letters of support, and are 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.
Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is automatically considered for the honor of 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced later this fall.
“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”
Congratulations to Oregon’s 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Photos and news releases from each region are available in the links below.
- Robert Parker, Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center, North Clackamas School District
- Yesenia Marquez-Barragan, Chenowith Elementary, North Wasco School District
- Sheri Carson, Roseburg High School, Douglas County School District
- Michelle Yunker, The Early Childhood Center, Harney Education Service District
- Debra Sayre, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
- Niccole Harrison, Nixyaawii Community School, Pendleton School District
- Christa Rohrbach, Jefferson County Middle School, Jefferson County School District
- Deborah Watts, Arthur D. Hay Elementary School, Lake County School District
- Kathryn Holst, Creswell Middle School, Creswell School District
- Jodi Howell, Lebanon High School, Lebanon Community School District
- Kimberley Worley, Willowcreek School, Vale School District
- Bryan Butcher Jr., Beaumont Middle School, Portland Public Schools
- Dennis Starr, Spray High School, Spray School District
- Kayla Davidson, Fern Hill Elementary School, Forest Grove School District
- Samantha Herron, Coquille Junior/Senior High School, Coquille School District
- Kellen Akiyama, Gladiola High School, Grants Pass School District
- Tori Corak, Enterprise Elementary School, Enterprise School District
- David Clauson, McMinnville High School, McMinnville School District
Do you know an extraordinary, licensed, preK-12 public school teacher? You can nominate them for 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.
Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school).
A Spanish Language version of this press release is available.
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