Northwest Regional Educator Network (NREN)

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The NREN was established by the Educator Advancement Council to center educator voices in designing and supporting open access to regional, high-quality, culturally responsive professional learning. RENs, each led by a coordinating body representative of the region, focus on continuous improvement and regional needs to support educators in improving student outcomes across the state.

Student Leaders to Take the Stage at April 29 Cascade Alliance for Equity Summit

NWRESD is excited to invite educators, students, and community partners to the upcoming Cascade Alliance for Equity (CAFE) Student-Led Summit on April 29. Building on the energy and insight shared at the Fall 2025 CAFE Summit — where student voices like Luz from Forest Grove High School underscored that equity goes beyond equality — this spring event prioritizes student leadership in shaping equitable school practices. Attendees will hear directly from culturally diverse student leaders and equity-focused clubs, explore what’s working in schools, and gain fresh perspectives that can inform and strengthen equity efforts across the region. The summit is free and open to all who are invested in student success and equitable learning environments.

Read more and find registration information by clicking the link: https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1519/59

Educators can engage through our Coordinating Body, annual survey, and our four programs:

The sections below show how each program is making a difference for educators and students. Together, they demonstrate the collective impact of the NREN’s work in our region.

Early Literacy: Foundations for Student Success

Vernonia's Early Literacy Efforts Highlighted by ODE

Source & link: Vernonia's Literacy Efforts Featured by Oregon Department of Education

Vernonia School District has seen significant improvements in early literacy thanks to targeted funding and support from NWRESD. Over the past two years, NWRESD secured more than $14 million in early literacy grants across Oregon, including over $105,000 for Vernonia.

Key highlights:

Third grade reading proficiency rates increased by more than 10 percentage points last year following new literacy investments.
Teachers participate in NWRESD’s four-part science of reading training series, as well as additional seminars and professional learning opportunities.
District leaders and educators are aligning efforts to improve literacy outcomes, creating system-wide changes that benefit both students and teachers.
Focused, intentional improvement work and alignment across grade levels have led to measurable gains in literacy.

To learn more about early literacy supports available to districts, visit NWRESD’s Early Literacy Supports webpage or email Laurel Fischer, professional learning coach.

Equity Family Partnership: Supporting School–Family Connection

Student‑Led Summit Advocates for Equity

Source & link: Flipping the Script — Students Take the Reins at this Innovative Conference

At the fourth annual Cascade Alliance for Equity Summit (October 31, held at the International School of Beaverton), almost 200 students, teachers and school leaders gathered for a full day of student‑led workshops.

Highlights include:

A senior named Deethya led a session on misogyny, defining how it appears in micro‑aggressions and everyday language, and encouraged attendees to move from being bystanders to up‑standers.
Other student teams talked about belonging, learning differences, community transitions and access to leadership roles — for example, how language, attendance or GPA rules may exclude some students.
The message: giving students the platform to share lived experience helps adults understand and shift educational culture toward more equitable practice.
One student summed it up: “Equality is good. But equity is greater.”

Instructional Coaching: Supporting Educator Growth

Regional Mentoring: Guiding Teachers Through Their First Years

Mentoring plays a crucial role in supporting new educators as they begin their teaching journey. Many leave the profession early due to feeling overwhelmed or isolated, but having a mentor provides guidance, reassurance, and a trusted partner to turn to. With someone “in their corner,” new teachers gain confidence, develop their skills more effectively, and are more likely to remain in the field.
Watch the video below to learn more.

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Scaling Educator Excellence: Why Regional Educator Networks Matter

Kiera standing in front of a mural

The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD highlights the importance of Regional Educator Networks (RENs) in supporting high-quality teaching and improving student outcomes across Oregon. These networks create opportunities for educators to collaborate, apply research-based practices, and strengthen learning environments—particularly for students who have been historically underserved.

The article features Kierra, a student pictured in the story, whose participation reflects the impact of student-centered learning and leadership opportunities supported through these networks. Student involvement, such as Kierra’s, demonstrates how RENs help elevate student voice and foster meaningful engagement in educational spaces.

The article also shares examples of how RENs promote equity through initiatives like the Cascade Alliance for Equity, which brings students and educators together to address issues affecting school communities.

While RENs have demonstrated positive impact statewide, the article notes that these networks face potential funding reductions. Sustaining RENs is critical to maintaining professional learning opportunities and continued support for both educators and students.

To read the full article on the Northwest Regional Education Service District website, visit:
https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1468/59

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Scaling Educator Excellence: Why Regional Educator Networks Matter