December 1, 2020 9:30 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is continuing the Oregon Regional of the Year program to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state.

Staff with the Douglas Education Service District are encouraging county residents to nominate local teachers.

Nominations are open statewide through January 31st. Teachers will submit their applications by March 27th. Oregon Education Service Districts will select a winner from their regions. Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored across the state in May of next year. In September of 2021, one of the Regional Teachers of the year will be named the 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year.

A release said Regional winners will receive a cash prize of $500 and will be celebrated across the state. The 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize with a matching amount going to their school. The release said that winner will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

Anyone can nominate their favorite at: https://oregonteacheroftheyear.org/