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‘I can’t imagine doing anything else’: Redmond HS teacher Dan Kernion named Regional Teacher of the Year

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September 22, 2023 4:31 pm
Published 11:59 am

(Update: Adding video,comments from the school)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  Redmond High School educator Dan Kernion is this year's High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year, as he and everyone at the school learned at a surprise assembly Friday morning.

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced that RHS manufacturing teacher Dan Kernion is one of Oregon’s 17 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year.

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon.

Redmond High Principal Audrey Haugan said of the teacher's special honor: "It feels phenomenal, because we know our staff is amazing, and to be recognized in this way is a real honor,"

Kernion has been a manufacturing teacher at Redmond High School for 10 years and was nominated for the regional honor. 

"It's just a job that kind of fell in my lap," Kernion said.

Kernion teaches grades 9 -12 and his classes are open to anyone in the school. 

"They start out in SolidWorks, which is a parametric modeling software, so drawing in 3D," he said. "From there, we go on to learning how to program CNC machines, which is computer numerical controlled machines."

ODE says candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.

“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,” Kernion is quoted from his application.

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state.

Haugan said of Kernion, "He's just tirelessly working to get different machinery at our school, to prepare our kids for the workforce. He is the most qualified in getting our kids solid work certifications, master certifications and industry standard certification that gets our kids ready for the workforce."

Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

Kernion said, "I never imagined being a teacher. Now I can't imagine doing anything else. I really love the Redmond School District -- great place to work." 

“Congratulations to every Regional Teacher of the Year. These impressive educators inspire possibility and promise both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education. “It's vitally important to recognize the essential role that teachers play in their communities and to honor the many contributions they make in the lives of students all across Oregon. Earning this recognition means that an educator has built strong relationships and partnerships with students and families and empowered students to reach their fullest potential.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $9 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $4 million dollars of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and more than $17 million dollars went to Deschutes County.

“Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” said Mike Wells, interim director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and ability to uplift their communities.”   

The full list of statewide winners is below and will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

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Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Celebrates
17 Regional Winners for 2023-24

Oregon educators honored for their outstanding leadership and impact

(Salem, OR) – Today, the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Oregon’s 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year! All across the state this week, communities have held celebrations recognizing these 17 regional winners.

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.

“Congratulations to every Regional Teacher of the Year. These impressive educators inspire possibility and promise both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Dr. Charlene Williams, interim director of the Oregon Department of Education. “It's vitally important to recognize the essential role that teachers play in their communities and to honor the many contributions they make in the lives of students all across Oregon. Earning this recognition means that an educator has built strong relationships and partnerships with students and families and empowered students to reach their fullest potential.” 

Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by Education Service Districts. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

Each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award from the Oregon Lottery and is automatically considered for the honor of 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced later this fall.

“Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” said Mike Wells, interim director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and ability to uplift their communities.”   

Congratulations to our 2023-24 Oregon Regional Teachers of the Year!

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school).

Article Topic Follows: Education

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Kelsey McGee

Kelsey McGee is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Kelsey here.

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