It's been nearly one year since Susan Anglada Bartley, an English and Leadership teacher at Franklin High School in Portland, was named the 2014 OnPoint Prize Educator of the Year in the 9-12th grade category. We've checked back in with Susan to find out more about her experience. In this special guest blog post, Susan shares with us the impact this win has had on her life.

The days have started to get longer and even though we’re technically still in the heart of winter, you’d wouldn’t really know it from the warmer-than-usual temps we’ve been experiencing here in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the fact that it’s doesn’t feel like February, we are still several months away from spring so now is a great time to start planning your spring and summer home improvement projects.

Spring is in the air and you may be thinking of putting down roots in your first home. But are you ready to start shopping? Now is the perfect time to gather the information and resources you need to make a successful, informed, and memorable first-home purchase.