Samantha Herron Named South Coast Regional Teacher Of The Year (Photo) - 09/18/24
Embargoed until Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Samantha Herron as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Herron teaches social studies at Coquille Junior/Senior High School.
Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Coquille Junior/Senior High School on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., when Herron will be honored at an all-school assembly.
Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.
“Moving to a small rural town can be daunting, especially one as tight knit as Coquille. I came from a small logging community – which was the draw that led me to teach in a similar environment,” said Herron in her nomination. “I felt it important for students to be exposed to those who are like them, but who have also been out in the world... Students need to be able to buy in to their teacher as an authentic individual in order to learn the most from them. Part of my philosophy as an educator is that of role model.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.
“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”
Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.* Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $694,00 of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Coquille School District, and more than $5 million went to Coos County.
“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”
On Friday, September 20, 2024, once all 18 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.
Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Herron will be available HERE.
*Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.
