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- 2023-24 - Teacher of the Year

Mandy Vance

Mandy Vance, 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year
- 2023-24 - Teacher of the Year

Mandy Vance

Mandy Vance teaches at Cedar Ridge Middle School in the Oregon Trail School District where her inclusive, engaging and transformative teaching builds long-lasting relationships with students and families.

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Our 2023-24 Regional Winners

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, presents 2023-24's Regional Teachers of the Year! Each will receive a $1,000 award.

Mandy Vance

Mandy Vance

  • School: Boring Middle School
  • Teaches: Wellness, Athletic Leadership
  • Grade Level: 6-8th

“My goal as an educator is to create an environment where every student feels welcome exactly as they are, respected, challenged, and desires to grow both academically and personally.”
Wesley Mitchell

Wesley Mitchell

  • School: Dry Hollow Elementary School
  • Teaches: 5th Grade

“Students in my classroom never say, ‘When will we need this?’ because they see how, why, and when they will need all that they are learning!”
Jessica Norton

Jessica Norton

  • School: Coffenberry Middle School
  • Teaches: Special Education
  • Grade Level: 6-8th

“Differentiating and meeting each student where they’re at is my jam. I was a student who learned differently, so I am a big advocate for aligning myself as a teacher with each student's needs.”
Robyn Miller

Robyn Miller

  • School: Humbolt Elementary School
  • Teaches: 3rd Grade

“My biggest goal as a teacher is that all students leave my classroom with self-confidence, the feeling of success, and the motivation to continue to learn.”
Roxane Bailey

Roxane Bailey

  • School: Burns High School
  • Teaches: Science
  • Grade Level: 9-12th

“I believe when a hands-on approach is taken in the classroom, learning becomes intrinsic for all students, from all cultures, identities and abilities.”
Dan Kernion

Dan Kernion

  • School: Redmond High School
  • Teaches: Manufacturing
  • Grade Level: 9-12th

“I am able to meet students where they are with their abilities and knowledge and create a path to success from the beginning of the project until completion.”
Jean Collins

Jean Collins

  • School: Heppner Junior-Senior High School
  • Teaches: Language Arts
  • Grade Level: 9-12th

“I believe that my duty as an educator is to build up the confidence of my students so that they are able to take charge of their own learning.”
Rebecca Brouillard

Rebecca Brouillard

  • School: Culver Elementary School
  • Teaches: 5th Grade

“I believe all students are capable of making progress, and I will help them… it is essential to cultivate a classroom culture of learning and growth for all students.”
Mariah Engle

Mariah Engle

  • School: César E Chávez Elementary School
  • Teaches: Kindergarten

“Learning about the differences and similarities of others plants the seed of how vital and beautiful diversity is, especially for our youngest learners.”
Adam Galen

Adam Galen

  • School: Sam Case Elementary School
  • Teaches: 5th Grade

“I believe that relationships are the most important aspect of student success. Students that know you care about them and have high expectations for them will reach for the stars.”
Nicole De Lagrave

Nicole De Lagrave

  • School: Jason Lee Elementary School
  • Teaches: 5th Grade

“My goal is to make sure that students enter middle school already infused with a tremendous sense of self and community.”
Ashley Macnab

Ashley Macnab

  • School: Sherman County School District
  • Teaches: Kindergarten

“I love being able to bring fun, hands-on activities to the classroom so students from every background and ability can participate without barriers.””
Carissa Martos

Carissa Martos

  • School: NW Regional ESD
  • Teaches: Deaf & Hard of Hearing
  • Grade Level: K-12

“Self-advocacy skills are incredibly important for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-hearing, since without the appropriate accommodations, these students miss instruction and social opportunities.”
Alyse Shetler

Alyse Shetler

  • School: Joseph Charter School
  • Teaches: Kindergarten

“Create, collaborate and imagine describes my method of how kids learn, how teachers should teach, and how relationships grow.”
Glen Crook

Glen Crook

  • School: Marshfield High School
  • Teaches: CTE/Manufacturing

“I believe that it is my job as a teacher to see the potential in every student and provide them with a pathway to be successful.”
Steve Kessler

Steve Kessler

  • School: North Medford High School
  • Teaches: Band
  • Grade Level: 9-12th

“I believe that as teachers, musicians, and artists, it’s our job to fight for what’s right and to do what we can to end injustices of all types.”
Michele Reschly

Michele Reschly

  • School: Patton Middle School
  • Teaches: STEM
  • Grade Level: 6-8th

“I am continually reflecting on my lessons, my interactions with students, and my teaching style to create a fun and memorable classroom…and to inspire students to conquer real-world issues.”

About Teacher of the Year

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.

How Nominations Work

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1

Nominate a Teacher

Know a great teacher? Fill out the nomination form and tell us what makes them exceptional!

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2

Teacher of the Year Applications

We notify qualifying nominees and invite them to apply for Teacher of the Year.

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3

Regional Teachers of the Year Selected

Each of Oregon’s 19 Education Service Districts review applications from their area and choose a winner for their region.

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4

Oregon Teacher of the Year Selected

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.

Nominations for 2024-25 have closed! Check back in the fall when we announce the Regional Teachers of the Year!

Nominations for 2024-25 have closed! Check back in the fall when we announce the Regional Teachers of the Year!

Oregon Lottery Participation

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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.

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Together, we learn good things

This past biennium, Oregon Lottery has contributed $530.1 million towards K-12 education. That's about $480 per student each year!

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A Slew of Scholarships

In 2018, Oregon Lottery contributed $30 million to the Oregon Opportunity Grant which awards college scholarships to students across our state.