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. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the Oregon Education Support Professional will receive a gift award of $5,000. They will also receive a plaque and banner to commemorate this significant achievement.

Oregon's National Board Certified Teachers

National Board Certification is a demonstration of a teacher's practice as measured against high and rigorous standards. The National Board Certification process requires intense self-reflection and analysis of one's own practice. Having measured their practice against the highest standards for the profession, teachers say that their teaching is resultantly more focused, reflective and confident. Offered on a voluntary basis and valid for 10 years, the advanced system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. To learn more about what's involved, visit National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Information about online support programs is available at WSU National Board Support Program.