Teacher Recognition

Overview of Teacher Recognition

The Oregon Department of Education is proud to recognize and celebrate excellence in teaching.

Every year, each of the 50 states names a teacher of the year. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program started in 1955 and recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across the state. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education's partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the Oregon Teacher of the Year receives a gift award of $10,000 as well as a special fund to cover all travel costs for the year.

Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is proud to facilitate the Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year award. This award honors the contributions of individuals across the state who provide exemplary support of Oregon’s most valuable resource: our students.

Oregon's National Board Certified Teachers

National Board Certification concentrates education reform in the classroom-where teaching and learning takes place. National Board Certification is a demonstration of a teacher's practice as measured against high and rigorous standards.

Gilder Lehrman Preserve American History Teacher of the Year Award

The Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers of American history across the country. The History Teacher of the Year Award, under the rubric of Preserve America, recognizes outstanding American history teachers from elementary school through high school, and the crucial importance of American history education. Finalists are selected from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. From these local winners, a national honoree is recognized as the National Preserve America History Teacher of the Year.