Commission Members

Elementary Teacher 1^st Term 3/1/2012 – 12/31/2014 2^nd Term 1/1/2015 – 12/31/2017 Continuing to serve until replaced	Judith C. Brizendine – Professional Practices Committee I have a great interest in being part of this commission. I bring several perspectives. The first is that of a third generation teacher in Oregon public schools. I love teaching and have worked, nearly thirty years, to set high standards for myself and my students. I have worked on many committees including "Onward to Excellence", Site Council and Professional Learning Communities to create the best learning outcomes for students in my local district. A second perspective is that of a mentor teacher for future teachers. I have enjoyed helping student teachers develop the skills they need to be successful classroom teachers. A third perspective is that of a parent supporting a daughter as she prepared to be a teacher at Western Oregon University. She has now started her career as a fourth generation teacher. My husband and I have raised three amazing kids who are all college graduates. I look forward to working with the commission as they explore ways to provide teachers with experience and skills to be talented educators we need in Oregon schools. Email: brizendine.judy@yahoo.com
Elementary Principal 1^st Term 3/1/2012 – 12/31/2014 2^nd Term 1/1/2015 – 12/31/2017 Continuing to serve until replaced	Olga L. Cobb Education is the most valuable gift we can give our children and our communities. I am a firm believer of this statement and take pride in the work we do in our schools every day. It is a privilege for me to be part of the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and I look forward to the work we do together to continue to provide the best services to students in Oregon and to be a part of the team of professionals who make changes that will positively impact student learning. Over the past 10 years I have seen many changes in our educational system and the demographics of the communities we serve. As needs change, we must provide our teachers with the tools they need to better serve their students and give them enriching opportunities that will help them effectively navigate as global citizens and learners of a changing world. I have a Bachelor Degree from the Universidad Del Valle in Colombia and then moved to Oregon and finished a Master of Arts in Education at Portland State University. I have worked in Salem for the past 12 years as an instructional assistant, adult education teacher, early childhood program coordinator and elementary principal. I love spending time with my husband and daughter. I especially like traveling with them, reading, or enjoying a good movie at home. Email: cobb_olga@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Secondary Teacher 1^st Term 7/1/2014 – 12/31/2016 2^nd Term 1/1/2017 – 12/31/2019	Marty R. Pérez – Licensure Committee My interest in becoming a Commissioner stemmed from my passion to bring rigor, equity, perspective, and quality to the educational system in Oregon. My hope is to become part of a strong educational board that holistically creates a positive influence for the Teacher Standards and Practice Commission of Oregon. My educational background starts in Tulelake, California, a small, farming community near the Oregon/California Stateline. It is there that I started my education (Pre-12th grade). I required college to be in my future and attempted every measure to find that perfect college/university. I attended three colleges and universities before settling in and making the University of Oregon my final educational site. It is here, at the University of Oregon, that I obtained a bachelor of art in Spanish literature and minors in business and economics. Upon leaving Eugene, Oregon with my Masters of Education, my next destination was Anchorage, Alaska where I found a teaching position teaching Spanish to middle school students. Due to proximity and family, I moved back to Portland, Oregon after landing a job teaching Native American youth. Ever since, I have been teaching Spanish and Spanish Immersion to 9th-12th grade students. I am an enrolled tribal member of the Klamath Tribes: Modoc. I always thought life's journey would take me down the path of an artist/photographer. So, when I am not teaching I am drawing, painting, and capturing the moments with my digital or 35mm camera. I enjoy live music and sampling diverse cuisine. Email: mperez@pps.net
Public Representative 1^st Term 09/19/2014 – 12/31/2017 2^nd Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Alan Contreras – Licensure Committee I have worked most of my life in or around higher education, including time with the University of Oregon, Oregon Community College Association and, from 1999-2011, as head of the state Office of Degree Authorization. I also spent three years with the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. I currently work for the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) project based out of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education in Colorado, but continue to live in Eugene. I have a BS and JD from the University of Oregon. I applied to be on the Commission out of a desire to give something back to Oregon, my home. I'm a fourth-generation Oregonian born in Tillamook County. My Quaker ancestors helped start what is now George Fox University. My mother Lona Barker Contreras was a teacher in Oregon public schools in several districts. She was primarily a Spanish language teacher and designed one of Oregon's earliest full-scale language labs, at Dallas High School in the 1960s. I have been a birder since age 11 and have authored or co-authored several bird books. In 2013 my book "College and State" (on state regulation of colleges) was published and I have written some other books in my spare time. Email: acontrer56@gmail.com
Private University Faculty 1^st Term 11/20/2015 – 12/31/2017 2^nd Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Bruce Weitzel – Program Approval Committee Chair / Executive Committee My interest in becoming a member of TSPC stems from the same desire that has motivated my entire professional career as an educator -- to work with professional colleagues toward positively impacting the learning and growth of Oregon’s P-12 educators and their students. I received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in counseling from Portland State University. I taught English and social studies at the secondary level before receiving my doctoral degree in educational administration from Michigan State University. Subsequently, I was a secondary administrator for two decades, with seventeen of those years being spent as a high school principal in the Beaverton School District. For the past eleven years, I have taught and engaged in educational research at the University of Portland as an associate professor and associate dean of the School of Education. My special achievements are my two children, who, in spite of their father’s poor parenting skills and strange sense of humor, have grown to be wonderful adults. Email: weitzel@up.edu
Elementary Teacher 1^st Term 9/26/2016 – 12/31/2017 2^nd Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Liliana H. Jiménez – Professional Practices Committee Chair / Executive Committee I am interested in being a commissioner because I think that TSPC has a crucial job in Oregon's education. We not only need to make sure that all children receive the best education that is available; but also that teachers have the necessary teaching skills and methodologies to provide the best teaching experience for all of our students. I was born in Colombia, there, I attended a special secondary school where student teachers learn teaching techniques and methodologies as well as children's psychology and pedagogy. After graduating from such high school I entered university and graduated as a languages' teacher. I worked in Colombia as an English and bilingual teacher for six years before having the great opportunity to come to the United States to work as a volunteer Spanish teacher. In 1999, I was hired by the Forest Grove School District where I have been working since then. I graduated from Portland State with a Masters in bilingual education in 2002. I worked as a first grade bilingual teacher in a self-contained classroom for 15 years. In 2013, I decided I wanted to refine my skills as reading teacher. I graduated from Western Oregon University with a reading endorsement in 2014. I have been working as a Title I teacher since 2014, helping struggling readers. I am currently taking classes to learn and provide services to students with dyslexia. I was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia. I have lived in Oregon since 1996 when I was invited to be a volunteer Spanish teacher. I love my family and teaching. I also enjoy singing, dancing traveling, and experiencing different kinds of food. My special achievement is having the amazing opportunity of being part of this important commission. Email: ljimenez@fgsd.k12.or.us
Secondary Teacher 1^st Term 11/17/2017 – 12/31/2018 2^nd Term 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2021	Jessica Classen – Professional Practices Committee Vice-Chair It is truly an honor to serve on the TSPC commission. My desire to join stems from the fact that the work this commission does is integral to the success of our teacher workforce, and subsequently to the success of students. A child of teachers, I grew up with prime examples of people dedicated to the profession, and as I entered adulthood, I wished to follow in their footsteps. I received my MAT from Concordia University in 2005. Since then, I have spent my teaching career at David Douglas High School where I teach Language Arts. Over my 12 years of teaching, I have continued to engage in ongoing education, receiving a reading endorsement and eventually a certificate in the teaching of writing. I have also had the opportunity to mentor multiple student teachers and taught for nine years in an MAT program. When not teaching, I am indulging my daughter’s crafting whims, exploring new recipes, or hunkered down with a good book. Email: jessica_classen@ddouglas.k12.or.us
School Board Representative 1^st Term 1/1/2017 – 12/31/2019	Maureen Wolf – Executive Committee Chair As school board members, it is critical that we understand what defines excellent teachers. We are called to be advocates for greater resources as well as effective stewards. Board members set policy that will support and drive innovative teaching and culturally relevant practices. The partnership between educators and school boards is essential for success and an important aspect to be reflected in the Commission's membership. I am excited to share my perspectives from the local board as well as the statewide lens. I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. I worked as a CPA, then returned to Purdue University earning my Masters of Science in Management. I have been engaged with education for over 20 years as a business partnership manager, foundation president and now as a school board member. Email: maureen.wolf@ttsd.k12.or.us
Secondary Teacher 1^st Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Allan Bruner – Program Approval Committee I am honored to serve the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission as a Board Member. In my 28-year public teaching career, I have had many opportunities to network with outstanding educators both here in Oregon and throughout the nation. While my academic background is in chemistry, biochemistry, and science education, my passion is the pursuit of excellence in the classroom. Whether is it challenging students to consider opportunities beyond their K-12 education or mentoring younger teachers from a National Board perspective, I have been extremely fortunate to have interacted with students who are now leaders in their fields and with colleagues who are now outstanding leaders in the classroom, those working at the administrative levels, and those who have moved into higher education as professors and instructors. I was honored to represent our state as the 2006 Oregon Teacher of the Year and continue to remain active on numerous local district committees. My desire is to help make Oregon an outstanding place in which to teach and learn. I look forward to learning and contributing to TSPC in my role as commissioner. Email: brunera@colton.k12.or.us
Elementary Teacher 1^st Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Martha Gross – Licensure Committee My interest in becoming a TSPC commissioner stems from my passion for teaching, and giving back to my community. The experiences I’ve had as a member of several teams, including the Clatsop County Search and Rescue, Alameda Community Association board, Tongue Point Volunteer Fire Department, Multnomah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Alameda Neighborhood Emergency Team, my immersion school teaching team, and with much pride I’d be remiss if I didn’t also include my Astoria City Champion Softball team (not community service but it sure was a lot of fun going to state), and other team experiences have all contributed to who I am today, and brings a breadth of experiences that will serve to help me be a productive member of the TSPC team. I have had the privilege of teaching for Portland Public schools for 18 years, and I currently teach at the Richmond Japanese Immersion School in SE Portland. My three sons also attended K-12 in PPS. Two of my sons, and I, attended Oregon State University, my other son is a graduate of Portland State Universality. I also obtained my MAT, Reading and ESOL endorsements from Lewis and Clark College. Paddling, biking, hiking, reading, traveling, and visiting with family and friends are some of the things I love doing when I’m not working. I also truly enjoy learning, so I’ve participated in many classes, and traveled to many places, included Japan. Over the years I’ve been honored to be a recipient of several honors, including the Spirit of Portland Award, and the opportunity to be a member of a three-year NGSS Science Teacher Leader learning Cadre. Contributing to the educational landscape of Oregon as a member of the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission by participating in assuring we have; outstanding teacher education programs; helping in maintaining professional standards of competent and ethical performance; and establishing and evaluating rules for licensure, will be an honor and a privilege. Email: mgross@pps.net
State Institution of Higher Learning 1^st Term 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020	Todd S. Cherner, PhD – Licensure Committee Chair / Executive Committee My interest in joining TSPC is twofold. First, I want to contribute to its purpose of establishing and maintaining rules and standards for educator – teacher, administrative, and support personnel – licensure across Oregon. I am a strong advocate of Oregon’s 40-40-20 plan, and I believe that its 2025 goal is attainable. However, to achieve it, Oregon needs highly-qualified educators, and I want to be part of that work by joining this Commission. Second, I see the role of teacher educator programs as being an essential element of meeting the 2025 goal. With the explosion of technology, adoption of edTPA, new legislation that focuses on dyslexia, and continued emphasis on STEM education, teacher education programs are actively implementing multiple initiatives on a simultaneous basis. Therefore, I want to serve Oregon and the higher education community voicing how these initiatives are impacting teacher education programs. I am former 10th grade English teacher, and I am very familiar with the pressures, successes, and challenges that impact teachers in the classroom. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree in secondary education with a focus on English language arts from Clemson University, and my PhD in teacher education from the University of Tennessee. I am a soon-to-be father of twins. We are expecting them any day now! For hobbies, I train and run in at least three road races per year. Last year I completed the Portland Marathon, which was my first one! This year, I am going to be participating in my first Spartan Race. Previous to these events, I was a rugby player for many years. I also play competitive darts and participate in a few tournaments annually. Email: tcherner@pdx.edu
Superintendent 1^st Term 9/28/2018 – 12/31/2019	Samuel Breyer – Executive Committee I’m honored to serve on the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. The Commission has an important role in ensuring our students are served by well-prepared and qualified educators. I’m also passionate about reducing barriers to diversifying the Oregon education workforce. I’m fortunate enough to have been part of Oregon education at virtually every level. A native Oregonian, I attended public school in the Central School District. After serving as a United States Marine and exploring other careers paths, I returned to education and received my MAT at Willamette University. I’ve been a National Board Certified Teacher, an elementary principal, a district administrator for assessment and school improvement, and Superintendent of both a K-12 district and now an Education Service District. I look forward to serving Oregon students and educators as part of TSPC. Email: sbreyer@mesd.k12.or.us
Secondary Principal 1^st Term 9/28/2018 – 12/31/2020	Erika Bare – Executive Committee Vice-Chair I have seen first-hand the important role TSPC fills in education in Oregon, and I feel called to support the Commissions important work. I know that high standards for both current and aspiring educators is an essential component in meeting Oregon’s goals for our youth. In order to increase the quality and diversity of professional educators, we must begin in K-12 schools preparing all students for college and career, and continue to improve our teacher preparation programs with a tireless focus on Equity. After earning both my Bachelors of Arts and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Oregon, I began as a special educator in the West-Linn Wilsonville School district in 2001. I had the joy of working in both resource and self-contained settings. I then had the opportunity to serve as a Teacher on Special Assignment for Special Education in the Medford School District. The next step was into my current home as an administrator at Ashland High School in 2012, first as Assistant Principal, and transitioning to Principal in 2015. I have two wonderful children, adding to my commitment to serve all students. Outside of my passion for education, I enjoy exploring the many natural wonders Southern Oregon has to offer, reading a great book, and spending quiet time with family and friends. Email: Erika.bare@ashland.k12.or.us
Elementary Teacher 1^st Term 9/28/2018 – 12/31/2020	Iris Carrasco – Licensure Committee Vice-Chair When I first considered the commission it was to make the career path to education less about hoops to jump through and more about creating quality teachers more diverse. I have since, had a child and now believe being on this commission better ensures my own child will have quality teachers as he goes through the public education system. Education: Educated through (Title One) public schools in Salem. Received a B.S. Science degree and a Master’s Degree in Education from OSU. Professional Background: Nutrition Educator for OSU Education – 9 years 2nd grade teacher for Greater Albany School District – January 2018 I love gardening, hiking the PCT (portions), and traveling around the world with my partner and best friend (they are the same person). First in family to graduate with college degree and masters and travel around the world. My biggest achievement is my little Chance (4 month old son). Email: iris.carrasco@albany.k12.or.us
Secondary Teacher 1^st Term 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2021	Jessica Barney – Program Approval Committee I was interested in becoming a Commissioner because I am passionate about advocating and supporting educators. If I could roll out a red carpet for teachers every day I would. I believe that the single greatest impact on a student at school, is the teacher in the classroom. Therefore, it is a position that deserves the utmost support. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology from Oregon State University in 2007, and spent some time working for the BLM and private firms as an archaeological field tech. In 2009 I followed up with a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Southern Oregon University. For the first 8 years of my teaching career I worked in the elementary setting, teaching 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th grades in the Medford School District. Currently I just finished my 9^th year of teaching and have transitioned into a middle school science teacher at McLoughlin Middle School in Medford, Oregon. At McLoughlin I loop with students through their 7th and 8th grade years. I love to read a lot of books, drink a lot of tea and spend time outdoors. My summers are filled with backpacking trips, while my winters are consumed with cross-country skiing. I love exploring all that Oregon has to offer and spending time with my husband Ryan, my two teenage stepchildren Lyrik and Kaleb, and our Golden Retriever Tucker. I am also very proud to have generated the idea of formally recognizing our educators with the Golden Pear Teacher Recognition Program in the Medford School District. The Golden Pear Teacher Recognition Program’s mission is to celebrate and honor excellence in teaching for those teachers who are improving the lives of students. Publicly recognizing outstanding teachers elevates the profession of teaching, encourages students to think about teaching as a career, and provides the community a sense of pride and investment in their teachers who are making a positive impact on student’s lives every day. Each year our school district, local unions, chamber of commerce, local businesses and community members work together to elects three Golden Pear Teachers, one from an elementary, middle and high school level that we announce in a red carpet gala event. It is truly the academy awards for educators in Medford! In 2020 we will celebrate our 4th year with the program. Email: jessica.barney@medford.k12.or.us
HR Administrator 1^st Term 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2021	Erica Marson – Program Approval Committee Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” As a young child growing up in St. Louis, Missouri my great-grandmother always instilled in me a desire to serve others. Understanding the importance of serving and the impact of giving back has been engrained in me ever since I was a little girl. Therefore, naturally, my path steered me towards a career in education and a most recently an interest in becoming a TSPC Commissioner. My educational journey began in Nashville, Tennessee where I attended Tennessee State University and earned my Bachelors and Masters in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon is where I earned my administrator credentials. I have been an educator for over 18 years and started my career in Missouri as a Speech-Language Pathologist where I served students as a Self-Contained Language Classroom Teacher for 5 years. Today, the beautiful NW is my home and Beaverton School District (BSD) is where I have worked for the past 13 years as a Speech Language Pathologist, Assistant Principal and Principal. Currently, I serve the BSD Community as a Human Resource Administrator. As a servant leader, my motivating force for becoming a TSPC Commissioner is truly to make Oregon a better place for students by upholding and maintaining the professional standards of this great craft that touches the lives of students every single day! I am excited to join this wonderful group of educators and make a difference! Email: erica_marson@beaverton.k12.or.us
Superintendent of City Schools 1^st Term 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2021	Tim Sweeney – Professional Practices Committee I believe the committee’s work is extremely important and I wanted to actively support the important work that they have been doing. Education: BS Political Science SOSC 1990 Masters Educational Leadership SOU 2007 Professional Background: Teacher Eagle Point Middle School 1996-2007 Athletic Director Eagle Point Middle School 2002-2007 Superintendent/Principal Butte Falls School District 2007-2010 Superintendent Coquille School District 2010-present COSA Equity Summit Planning committee 2018 COSA Executive Committee 2016-present Oregon Small Schools Association Board of Directors 2013-present COSA Vision and Policy Committee 2013-2016 Coos County Parks Advisory Board 2011-2014 I find working in my garden to be very relaxing. I enjoy growing flowers for my wife. Oregon Superintendent of the Year - 2019 Coquille Citizen of the Year - 2012 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers - 2006 National Honor Roll’s Outstanding Teacher - 2005 Oregon middle Level Association Outstanding Service Award - 2004/2005 Dairy Farmers of Oregon Academic All-State Award - 2002 Email: tsweeney@coquille.k12.or.us