Oregon honors teacher Patrick Getchis

Patrick Getchis, an industrial technology teacher at Wy’east Middle School, was named the Northeast Oregon Teacher of the Year. Each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $500 award from the Oregon Lottery, and is automatically considered for the honor of 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year which will be announced this fall.  

From the very beginning of this global pandemic, teachers have stepped up in countless, innovative ways to ensure students are safe, healthy and engaged to reach their full potential, stated a DOE press release. From rural to urban and kindergarten through 12th grade, this year’s regional teachers exemplify best practices in teaching in a wide variety of settings across the state.

“Oregon educators never cease to amaze me with their resilience, creativity and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Colt Gill, director of the Oregon Department of Education. “I’m honored and grateful to celebrate these 15 Regional Teachers of the Year for their excellence in this pivotal profession.”

Oregon educators were identified through a regional application and selection process facilitated by local Education Service Districts. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed on leadership, instructional expertise, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, professional development and vision by a diverse panel of regional representatives.

“Now, more than ever, I believe there is a new appreciation for the dedicated efforts of our teachers,” said Oregon Lottery Director Barry Pack. “The list of Regional winners is a mere snapshot of the passionate and committed educators found all across Oregon and the Oregon Lottery is delighted to be part of the Oregon Teacher of the Year awards.”

Getchis stated in his award application, “With appropriate scaffolds and teacher collaboration across subjects, students can be given space, time and freedom to make their learning come to life.”

Other 2021 Oregon Regional Teachers of the Year are:

Nicole Butler-Hooten, Irving Elementary School, Second Grade, Bethel School District

JD Cant, Imbler High School, Agriculture Education,

Kate Fisher Hedeen, Oregon City High School, Biology, Larkin Foley, McKay High School, Language Arts, Salem-Keizer School District

Melanie Friend, Ashwood Elementary School, Grades K-8, Ashwood School District

Christina Geierman, North Bend High School, Science, Ryan Hamilton, Tillamook High School, History, Tillamook School District

Brian Hanna, Newport High School, Mathematics

James Jeffery-West, Madison High School, Social Studies, Portland Public Schools

Stacey Martin, Adel School District, Grades 4-8

Mayra Pelayo, Aiken Elementary School, Kindergarten, Ontario School District

Beverly Scott, Riddle Jr./Sr. High School, Life Science, Riddle School District

Melissa Stolasz, Ridgeview High School, Science and Mathematics, Redmond School District

Jordan Werner, Riverside Elementary School, Physical Education, Grants Pass School District