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Congratulations, Michael Lindblad!

I’m deeply committed to helping many of my students become the first in their families to attend college, and one way I can support that is by encouraging all of my kids to take rigorous IB college prep classes.

Michael Lindblad

At a school celebration attended by friends, family, students, and educators, the Oregon Department of Education named Michael Lindblad, a Gresham High School social studies teacher, Oregon’s 2015 Teacher of the Year. Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Rob Saxton praised Mr. Lindblad’s clear commitment to educational equity and his focus on preparing all students for the rigors of college and the workplace.

“Michael is a master teacher with a strong commitment to equity, high expectations for all of his students, and a passion for preparing today’s young people to be engaged, globally aware citizens,” said Saxton. “He is an outstanding representative of the teaching profession, and it is my honor to name him Oregon’s 2015 Teacher of the Year.”

Throughout his 18 years of teaching, Lindblad has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his students and to being a leader in his profession. For example, Lindblad developed his school’s International Baccalaureate history program, and then advocated for intensive outreach to recruit more students of color into the course. He designed a special history class for English language learners that paired high expectations with an appreciation for their language and culture. His classes weave the Common Core’s focus on reading, writing, discussion, and analysis into the study of history so that students not only master important content but also learn key skills they can apply in other courses and in their lives beyond school.

“All of my students are capable of so much and part of the joy of teaching is watching them learn and grow past what they thought possible,” said Lindblad. “I’m deeply committed to helping many of my students become the first in their families to attend college, and one way I can support that is by encouraging all of my kids to take rigorous IB college prep classes. In my classes, we have a keen focus on literacy. Students are constantly reading, participating in animated, student-led discussions, and writing on-demand essays that allow them to practice vital literacy skills as they learn about and explore our nation’s history.”

In addition, Mr. Lindblad has given back to the profession by mentoring more than 20 student teachers. As Teacher of the Year, Lindblad served as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers and attended the Washington Recognition Week for Teachers of the Year in Washington, D.C. in April where he met President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Mr. Lindblad received a $5,000 cash award.

Michael is a master teacher with a strong commitment to equity, high expectations for all of his students, and a passion for preparing today’s young people to be engaged, globally aware citizens

Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Rob Saxton

Previous Winners

2014
Profile photo of Brett Bigham

Brett Bigham

Multnomah Education Service District

Multnomah

Multnomah

Brett Bigham

Brett Bigham

  • School: Multnomah Education Service District
  • Teaches: special education transitions
2013
Profile photo of Nanette Lehman

Nanette Lehman

Haines Elementary

Haines

InterMountain

Nanette Lehman

Nanette Lehman

  • School: Haines Elementary
  • Teaches: Elementary Education
  • Grade Level: 2
2012
Profile photo of Elena Garcia-Velasco

Elena Garcia-Velasco

SEIS@Roosevelt

Portland

Multnomah

Elena Garcia-Velasco

Elena Garcia-Velasco

  • School: SEIS@Roosevelt
  • Teaches: Spanish Language Arts

How Nominations Work

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

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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.

Deadline to Nominate is

February 6, 2025

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