Jefferson County Middle School English teacher Christa Rohrbach honored as Regional Teacher of the Year

Jefferson County Middle School English teacher Christa Rohrbach is all smiles Friday at a surprise assembly announcing her being honored as Regional Teacher of the Year — Oregon Dept. of Education/Oregon Lottery

Published September 20, 2024 3:25 pm

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Friday afternoon at a Jefferson County Middle School surprise all-school assembly that English teacher Christa Rohrbach has been named one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 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. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.

As stated in her nomination by a colleague, “One of Mrs. Rohrbach’s greatest strengths is her ability to build strong, positive relationships with students. Our community is highly diverse, and she teaches with a social justice and equity lens always in place, making sure students have opportunities to explore who they are and make connections with their lives and cultures in the classroom.”

As the “Where Everybody Belongs Coordinator,” Rohrbach revitalized the sixth-grade transition program after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering leadership among eighth-grade students and offering vital support to incoming middle schoolers.

In addition to guiding students as the yearbook teacher, Rohrbach serves as the ELA Department's Professional Learning Community Lead, where they spearhead discussions on initiatives, systems and strategies to improve overall school performance and student success.

"Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the school environment exemplifies her passion for education and student growth," ODE said in its announcement.

“Christa is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable learning environment for all students,” Jefferson County Middle School Assistant Principal Shannon Richards stated in her nomination of Rohrbach. “Her belief in the philosophy that ‘everybody belongs’ resonates throughout her teaching practices… She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and celebrated, irrespective of academic achievements or behavior.”

Debra Sayre, who teaches special education and language arts for the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council in La Pine, was honored Thursday as High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year.

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. 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.

“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $1.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Jefferson County School District, and $1.98 million went to Jefferson County.

“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”

Now that all 18 regional honorees have been announced, ODE issued this news release Friday afternoon.

18 Educators Honored for their Outstanding Leadership and Impact

Oregon Celebrates 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year

(Salem, OR) – Today, the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Oregon’s 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Over the past week, communities all across the state have held celebrations recognizing these 18 regional winners.

Classroom teachers in Oregon are essential to creating conditions for students to experience belonging, wellness, and academic excellence. The Oregon Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors educators who lead with the exceptional dedication, knowledge, and skills that place those values at the center of their practice.

“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”

Each year, regional winners are identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by regional Education Service Districts. Applicants submit essays and letters of support, and are 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.

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is automatically considered for the honor of 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced later this fall.

Congratulations to Oregon’s 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Photos and news releases from each region are available in the links below.

Do you know an extraordinary, licensed, preK-12 public school teacher? You can nominate them for 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school).

Article Topic Follows: Jefferson County

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18 Educators Honored for their Outstanding Leadership and Impact

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