Tutors Needed For New After-School Literacy Program In Vernonia (Photo) - 01/30/26

VERNONIA, Oregon — A new after-school High Dosage Tutoring Program is launching in late February in Vernonia, and organizers are seeking up to 10 paid tutors to support local elementary students in reading and writing.

The program is a partnership between Northwest Regional Education Service District's Early Learning Hub, the Vernonia School District and Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia. The program -- called Vernonia Village -- will serve students in kindergarten through third grade. Tutors will work in small groups to provide targeted literacy support during the after-school hours.

Ideal candidates are patient, reliable and enthusiastic, with strong reading and writing skills and an interest in working with young learners. Education students, community members and retirees are all encouraged to apply.

Program Schedule

• Three afternoons per week for 10 weeks (starting in late February)

• Approximately 3–4 p.m.

• Paid onboarding training (8 hours) provided prior to program start

Benefits

• Paid tutoring positions (rates vary by education and experience)

• Curriculum, materials and training provided

• Valuable experience for resumes and graduate school applications

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in students’ academic growth

Use this application form to learn more and apply. 

The project is funded by an early literacy success grant from the Oregon Department of Education. 

Nominate The Next Oregon Teacher Of The Year (Photo) - 01/20/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hillsboro, Oregon — Exceptional teachers are making a lasting impact in classrooms across Oregon, and now is the time to celebrate their work. Nominations are open for the Oregon Teacher of the Year. This annual recognition celebrates educators who inspire students, elevate the teaching profession and strengthen school communities.

Anyone who works with or knows an outstanding teacher is encouraged to submit a nomination. The nomination process takes only a few minutes, and nominated educators choose whether to continue with the full application. That process includes writing short essays and gathering letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors and students.

Regional Teachers of the Year each receive a $1,000 award and advance for consideration at the state level. The Oregon Teacher of the Year receives $10,000, along with a dedicated fund to cover travel expenses throughout the year. The honoree also gains access to professional development opportunities and serves as a representative for educators across the state.

Last year’s honoree from the Northwest Regional Education Service District region, which includes Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties, was Jason Galbraith, a computer science teacher at Sunset High School in Beaverton. Galbraith was recognized for his innovative course design, which allows students to choose subjects based on their interests rather than their schedules. Through this approach, students not only learn to code but also build confidence and resilience as they tackle challenging and meaningful questions that interest them.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Feb. 11.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

New Commercial Driver’s License Program Offers Free Career Training For Washington County High School Seniors - 01/15/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hillsboro, Oregon — High school seniors in Washington County public schools now have a new pathway to a high-wage, high-demand career through a free commercial driver's license (CDL) program launching this spring.

The program prepares students to safely operate commercial trucks and equips them with the skills needed to enter the workforce shortly after high school graduation. Graduates will be prepared for employment opportunities with local construction, public transit, utility, transportation, energy, and waste management companies.

Thanks to generous community sponsors, the program is free for students. Comparable CDL training programs typically cost an estimated $8,000.

Program Details

• Open to high school seniors who attend public schools in Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood and Tigard-Tualatin school districts 

• Training begins in March at the regional office in Hillsboro

• Continues through July at Elite Truck School in Hillsboro

• No cost to participate

• Applications available in English and Spanish

Application Deadline: Friday, January 30

Applicants must:

• Provide contact information, including school and parent/guardian details

• Select an educator sponsor from their school

  • Sponsors support students during the application process and provide mentoring throughout the program

• Submit a short essay

• Provide one letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, teacher, counselor, coach, or similar reference)

• Submit a resume

Learn more at nwresd.org/cdl.