Brian teaches mathematics at Beaumont Middle School in Portland, where his lasting impact extends beyond the classroom and into the wider community.
Read MoreThe Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, presents 2024-25's Regional Teachers of the Year! Each will receive a $1,000 award.
“Students learn that their work, their ideas, can impact the world. Their work, their ideas, can have value and meaning for their community.”
“As a dual language teacher, I believe that it's my responsibility to build a foundation that emphasizes the importance of belonging and celebrates student’s various cultures and identities.”
“I believe all students deserve the opportunity to receive an education that will enhance and better their life.”
“I believe that every family needs someone in their corner cheering them on. I’m audacious enough to believe that person can be me.”
“I choose to set our students up for success by using their individual backgrounds, experiences, and goals.”
“I have become part of the lives of my students, and over the last few years, I have grown close to so many. ”
“Creating a culture of belonging is something I take very seriously and endeavor to do in any task I take on.”
“I strongly support the arts and hands-on-learning to enhance my students’ confidence levels and to insure active involvement in their learning.”
“Connecting students with the community outside of school is key to students being able to see the big picture of what they are learning and how it fits into their overall life.”
“My ultimate goals is that every student feels safe, secure, and respected, and I strive to incorporate diverse voices and experiences throughout all content.”
“I teach in a very small community that heavily supports the school and thrives off school successes. It is important that I have student involvement within the community in as many facets as possible.”
“My goal is to instill a sense of pride and acknowledgement in my students that they have already built the foundation to be successful. ”
“We try to promote a comfortable and safe environment of respect for each other in and out of the classroom.”
“I focus on how social-emotional learning is weaved thoughtfully into every aspect of my teaching, creating numerous opportunities for students to learn and grow.”
“By getting to know each student on a personal level I can gear my instruction to hopefully help each of them find success.”
“It’s important to me that my students see that I care about the subject I teach, their learning opportunities, and, of course, them as individuals.”
“I want to give my students a sense of 'this is possible.' I want them to try things, be curious, ask a speaker why love what they do.”
“Woven throughout every project my students tackle is the development of the skills all humans need - self-awareness, curiosity, communication and collaboration.”
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. Exceptional teachers will be honored in up to 19 regions across the state, each awarded $1,000, with Oregon's Teacher of the Year selected from among the regional semi-finalists and awarded $10,000.
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.
Finalists are chosen from among the regional winners, and then the designated candidate will be recommended to the Director of the Oregon Department of Education as the next Oregon Teacher of the Year.
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 $650 million towards K-12 education. That's about $591 per student each year!
Oregon Tech, using Oregon Lottery funds earmarked for college athletics, also offers a supportive, community-minded program for student athletes.