Jason Galbraith, a computer science teacher at Sunset High School in Beaverton, holds his recognition check after being named Regional Teacher of the Year in September. Photo by Megan Mahoney. 

Are you working with Oregon’s next Teacher of the Year? Phenomenal teachers are all around us, and they are likely working with you. 

Take a few minutes to nominate the incredible teachers in your life. The process takes a few minutes, and the person you nominate can decide whether they’d like to embark on the application process, which includes writing a few short essays and gathering letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors and students. 

Regional winners receive $1,000 and are considered for statewide recognition, which comes with a $10,000 award and a year of professional development and opportunities to represent educators across the state.  

Last year, Jason Galbraith, a computer science teacher at Sunset High School in Beaverton, clinched the award for his innovative class offerings where students pick the subject based on their interests rather than what fits into their schedule. In the process, he says they not only learn to code but gain confidence and resilience by tackling difficult subjects and questions.  

Nominate Oregon’s next teacher of the year. 

The deadline to nominate is Feb. 11.