Oregon Teacher of the Year
Educating and Inspiring Oregon’s Future
Since 2016, the Oregon Lottery has proudly sponsored the Teacher of the Year program to reward our state’s amazing teachers, who dedicate their lives to inspiring students every day.
Recognizing Amazing Teachers since 1955
In 1955, Oregon honored Margaret (Perry) Teufel of Monmouth Elementary School as its first Teacher of the Year. 1955 was an exciting year for Margaret and for Oregon as she was also awarded the National Teacher of the Year. Twice more, an Oregon educator received our nation’s highest honor – 1973 with John Ensworth of Kenwood Elementary in Bend and 2008 with Mike Geisen of Crook County Middle School in Prineville.
Oregon Lottery + Teacher of the Year
That proud tradition that started in 1955 continues to this day as the Oregon Department of Education honors an outstanding educator as Teacher of the Year. In 2016, the Oregon Lottery began assisting with the Teacher of the Year program in the form of sponsorship and logistical support to help expand the program and increase the rewards for regional and statewide honorees who exemplify the dedication and passion of Oregon’s finest educators. Including this year’s Oregon Teacher of the Year, Mandy Vance from Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy.
Honoring Amazing Teachers Across Oregon
The Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery recognizes regional winners in each of the Educational Service Districts across the state. Those winners culminate into three finalists from which Oregon’s Teacher of the Year is chosen.
It’s a tremendous honor for each Regional Teacher of the Year recipient and Oregon Lottery staff are also honored to present their awards at gatherings and assemblies all over Oregon. Congratulations to all the 2023-24 regional honorees and finalists (below).
- Adam Galen – Sam Case Elementary School – Newport
- Mariah Engle – Caesar E. Chavez Elementary School – Salem
- Nicole De Lagrave – Jason Lee Elementary School – Portland
- Mandy Vance – Cedar Ridge Middle School – Sandy
A Brief History of Teacher of the Year
The United States established the Teacher of the Year program as a way to nationally recognize outstanding educators.
Oregon began its participation in Teacher of the Year and first honored Margaret Perry, who went on to win the national title that year.
John A. Ensworth, a sixth grade teacher from Bend, became Oregon’s second teacher to win the national title.
Michael Geisen, a middle school science teacher from Prineville, became Oregon’s third teacher to win the national title.
The Oregon Lottery sponsored Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program and opened the door to rewarding winners with cash gifts and school funding.
Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program expanded to recognize 19 regional winners, Each regional winner receives $1,000 and is considered for the state title.
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