Nominate an outstanding teacher today for 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year! Regional winners will receive a $500 award in May 2020 and move a step closer to being named 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year!
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With a background in biology, ecology, and animal science, educator Keri Pilgrim Ricker guides her students through customized curriculum rooted in inquiry, diversity, and real-world application.
The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, presents 2020's Regional Teachers of the Year! Winners received a $500 award. The top three finalists also received $2,000!
“If I’m going to claim that every bit of seat time counts, I better make sure that my classroom feels humanizing, relevant, rigorous, engaging, valuable and empowering.”
“Students need to feel safe to strive. We must provide an environment in which students can challenge themselves with rigorous coursework without fear.”
“We are a profession of optimists. Our best selves think the future is worth our time and energy, which is powerful.”
“I believe with every ounce of my being that relationships are the most important tool in a classroom and the best way to increase student outcomes.”
“Think back to the reasons you chose education as a career path, and bring the same energy as you did the first day of school. ”
“We need passionate, introspective and collaborative colleagues and lawmakers to help ensure that the desired success of our students comes to fruition.”
“It is our job, as teachers, as administrators, as human beings to find the inherent value in each and every one of our students, and help them grow.”
“Failure can be a new beginning, because tomorrow is always an opportunity to change the world through relationships. This is why I teach.”
“While being an educator can be daunting, tiresome, and even frustrating--the great moments are what we live, breathe, and die for.”
“Building the bridge between students and learning happens when we acknowledge their past and invite the entire school community to be part of their fight for success.”
“I have been made a better person, more patient, caring, and concerned because of my students’ strength in adversity, perseverance in dire circumstances, and true grit.”
“Teaching is the most beautiful and blessed profession. It has and always will be the true testament of the human spirit.”
“Each student brings potential and possibility, and it’s up to us to keep pushing and digging and discovering new ways of ensuring that all of that potential blossoms, grows and thrives. ”
The Teacher of the Year program was created to recognize exemplary public school educators — Oregon teachers who inspire students and make a positive impact in the communities in which they live. The award celebrates knowledge, dedication, innovation and leadership. For 2020, exceptional teachers will be honored in up to 19 regions across the state, with Oregon’s Teacher of the Year selected from among our regional finalists.
Know a great teacher? Fill out the nomination form and tell us what makes them exceptional!
We notify qualifying nominees and invite them to apply for Teacher of the Year.
Each of Oregon’s 19 Education Service Districts review applications from their area and choose a winner for their region.
Regional applications will be reviewed by a diverse panel of education advocates and finalists will be interviewed by department staff and recommended to the director for selection.
The Oregon Lottery is the proud presenter of Oregon’s Teacher of the Year as well as a valued partner of the Oregon Department of Education. Currently, 57% of Oregon Lottery profits go to Oregon’s Pre-K-Higher Education public schools to help pay teachers’ salaries, build and repair schools, purchase much needed textbooks, computers, equipment and support other essential services. From pre-kindergarten to state universities, from textbooks to teachers’ salaries, Lottery funds help support classrooms and the future stewards of Oregon.
This biennium Oregon Lottery has contributed $535.7 million towards K-12 education. That's about $460 per student each year!
In 2018, Oregon Lottery contributed $30 million to the Oregon Opportunity Grant which awards college scholarships to students across our state.