Stolasz, Friend named regional Teachers of the Year
Both are among 15 in the running for Oregon Teacher of the Year
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The pivotal role of teachers has become especially evident in these last several months as schools have transitioned to distance learning in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Teachers have stepped up in countless, innovative ways to ensure students are safe, healthy and engaged to reach their full potential, making this a fitting opportunity to recognize the excellence of Regional Teachers of Year throughout the state!
Ridgeview High School science and mathematics teacher Melissa Stolasz was named High Desert’s 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year! Stolasz wins a $500 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2020 Teacher of the Year – to be announced this fall.
“Students, the thing that will make your eyes light up, the future that you will have, is probably something you don’t even know about yet, so keep every door open that you can,” Stolasz is quoted from her application.
Meanwhile, Ashwood Elementary School teacher Melanie Friend was named Jefferson County’s 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year! She, too, wins a $500 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.
“Students will share their victories with you, and in that, it becomes your victory as well. So, know your students, foster those trusting relationships, and watch them succeed,” Friend is quoted in her application.
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members to apply for the award, and are selected by a diverse panel of regional representatives. Later this fall, one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year.
Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize (with a matching $5,000 going to their school!) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. Three finalists will receive $2,000 with a matching $2,000 going to their school. Please visit OregonTeacheroftheYear.org for more information.
Here's the Oregon Department of Education news release:
Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Celebrates 15 Regional Winners
Oregon educators honored for their outstanding leadership and impact
(Salem, Ore.) – Today the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Oregon’s 2021 Regional Teachers of the Year! From the very beginning of this global pandemic, teachers have stepped up in countless, innovative ways to ensure students are safe, healthy and engaged to reach their full potential. From rural to urban and kindergarten through 12th grade, this year’s regional teachers exemplify best practices in teaching in a wide variety of settings across the state.
“Oregon educators never cease to amaze me with their resilience, creativity and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “I’m honored and grateful to celebrate these 15 Regional Teachers of the Year for their excellence in this pivotal profession.”
Oregon educators were identified through a regional application and selection process facilitated by local Education Service Districts. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, professional development and vision by a diverse panel of regional representatives.
Each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $500 award from the Oregon Lottery, and is automatically considered for the honor of 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced this fall.
“Now, more than ever, I believe there is a new appreciation for the dedicated efforts of our teachers,” said Oregon Lottery Director Barry Pack. “The list of Regional winners is a mere snapshot of the passionate and committed educators found all across Oregon and the Oregon Lottery is delighted to be part of the Oregon Teacher of the Year awards.”
Congratulations to our 2021 Oregon Regional Teachers of the Year!
- Nicole Butler-Hooten, Irving Elementary School, Second Grade, Bethel School District
- JD Cant, Imbler High School, Agriculture Education, Imbler School District
- Kate Fisher Hedeen, Oregon City High School, Biology, Oregon City School District
- Larkin Foley, McKay High School, Language Arts, Salem-Keizer School District
- Melanie Friend, Ashwood Elementary School, Grades K-8, Ashwood School District
- Christina Geierman, North Bend High School, Science, North Bend School District
- Patrick Getchis, Wy’east Middle School, Industrial Tech, Hood River County School District
- Ryan Hamilton, Tillamook High School, History, Tillamook School District
- Brian Hanna, Newport High School, Mathematics, Lincoln County School District
- James Jeffery-West, Madison High School, Social Studies, Portland Public Schools
- Stacey Martin, Adel School District, Grades 4-8
- Mayra Pelayo, Aiken Elementary School, Kindergarten, Ontario School District
- Beverly Scott, Riddle Jr./Sr. High School, Life Science, Riddle School District
- Melissa Stolasz, Ridgeview High School, Science and Mathematics, Redmond School District
- Jordan Werner, Riverside Elementary School, Physical Education, Grants Pass School District
Additional information on the program can be found on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.
