September 20, 2023 11:15 a.m. 

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery announced Jessica Norton as one of Oregon’s 17 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year during an assembly Wednesday morning at Coffenberry Middle School in Myrtle Creek.

Norton teaches 6-8th grade special education at the school, which is in the South Umpqua School District.

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. A release said candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.

In her application, Norton said, “Differentiating and meeting each student where they’re at is my jam”. Norton said, “I was a student who learned differently, so I am a big advocate for aligning myself, as a teacher, with each student’s needs”.

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 19 Education Service Districts around the state.

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.