Recognizing her outstanding dedication and support of students, families, and the whole Coos Bay community, Melinda Torres is Oregon’s 2022 Education Support Professional of the Year.
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Congratulations to Ethelyn Tumalad from Clackamas High School!
The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, presents 2022's Regional Teachers of the Year! Each receive a $500 award. The top three finalists will also receive $2,000!
“My best lessons have always come about unexpectedly and resulted in me learning just as much as my students.”
“As a teacher who has students go down every possible career path, it is on me to make clear that every purposeful path is valued and important.”
“In celebrating our differences while recognizing our similar challenges, we can use this unprecedented time to improve the future of our nation through innovative education.”
“Teachers should find joy in the acquisition of knowledge that adds to their toolbox, or rearranges the tools they have that were just lost at the bottom of the box.”
“Relationships are at the center of everything I do, and they ignite the spirit of learning with my students.”
“Schools cannot be a place to judge effort. We must foster acceptance that each life experience gives the opportunity to facilitate growth and show grace to others.”
“As students discover their musical strengths, a safe space provides trust to take risks, try new things musically, and make mistakes to learn and grow.”
“Every child in our country deserves the opportunity to experience an education that engages their mind and sparks their curiosity.”
“As a teacher, I am but one piece in an ever-changing puzzle unlocking fulfillment and success for a child.”
“Because of my confidence in the principles of love, acceptance and guidance, my classroom operates on laughter, human connections and happiness.”
“As a STEM teacher, I provide real-world learning opportunities as students are engaged when the curriculum is relevant and connected to their community.”
“Through my use of an integrated curriculum focusing on student interests, strengths and passions, my students are succeeding and have dreams I know they will achieve.”
“I am a great teacher not just because I know my content, but because I love all of my students and I let them know that.”
“The classroom is a glorious and hallowed space where learning takes place that may be planned, but often, if not always, goes far beyond the intended.”
“If we as educators live each day with the courage and determination we showed during the pandemic, there is no stopping us!”
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 2022, 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, 53% 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 past biennium, Oregon Lottery has contributed $530.1 million towards K-12 education. That's about $480 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.