The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in collaboration with the Oregon Lottery, is set to unveil Steve Kessler as one of Oregon’s 17 esteemed 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year. Kessler, a dedicated music educator, teaches band to aspiring musicians at North Medford High School.
The public is cordially invited to witness this official announcement, at North Medford High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. Steve Kessler will be honored right in the heart of his classroom.
Teachers in Oregon consistently contribute their innovation, energy, and subject mastery to nurture the state’s students. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program, a prestigious initiative, acknowledges and celebrates the excellence of these educators, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary teachers throughout Oregon. Candidates for this honor must exhibit exceptional dedication, knowledge, and expertise, serving students from preK-12.
“I believe that as teachers, musicians, and artists, it’s our job to fight for what’s right and to do what we can to end injustices of all types,” Kessler passionately stated in his application.
The recognition of Regional Teachers of the Year begins with nominations from students, colleagues, administrators, friends, or family members. A comprehensive nomination, application, and selection process, facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts across the state, follows. Applicants submitted compelling testimonials and letters of support, all evaluated by a diverse panel of regional representatives. The assessment focuses on key attributes, including leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision, and professional development.
Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, congratulated all the Regional Teachers of the Year, emphasizing their profound impact both inside and outside the classroom. “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,” she highlighted.
Each Regional Teacher of the Year is rewarded with a $1,000 cash prize and qualifies for the title of Oregon’s 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year, to be unveiled in October.
The Oregon Lottery, a longtime supporter of education, has played a pivotal role in these celebrations. Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, over $9 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. In the past year alone, over $8 million dollars of Oregon Lottery funding flowed into the Medford School District, and nearly $17 million dollars benefitted Jackson County.
“Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” stated Mike Wells, interim director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and their ability to uplift their communities.”
The complete list of statewide winners will be accessible on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.
If you know an outstanding teacher who deserves recognition for their exceptional contributions, please consider nominating them as the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. Let’s celebrate and honor those who mold the future of our state through education.
Source: ODE
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