The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

In a year that has challenged teachers in ways no one ever imagined, the annual call for nominations for the Oregon Teacher of the Year likely has more meaning than ever before.

In a recent press release the Oregon Department of Education, along with the Oregon Lottery, announced that nominations for the Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year are open through January 31, 2021.

Recognizing the strength of the teaching staff in the Sisters School District, administrators Curt Scholl, Joe Hosang, Alison Haney, and Joan Warburg all encourage local parents and students to consider making a nomination.

“We have such amazing teachers all the way through our system and this is a way for us to honor them,” said Superintendent Scholl.

The purpose of the program is to honor exemplary teachers from every region of Oregon via nominations funneled through Education Service Districts throughout the state. The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) covers the schools in Sisters.

Nominated teachers will have until March 27, 2021 to complete their applications and regional winners will be announced in May 2021. One regional winner will ultimately be named the Oregon Teacher of the Year in September.

Anyone can nominate their favorite teacher by accessing the website at www.oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Regional winners will receive a cash prize of $500 and, according to the press release, “be celebrated across the state.”

The Teacher of the Year will receive $5,000 and their school will receive a matching amount. The Teacher of the Year will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

“I hope that some of our school community members will consider submitting nominations,” said Scholl.