For more than two decades, Rhiannon Young has shaped Corbett’s middle-level program into a model of hands-on, inclusive, real-world learning. Her students have traced volcanic flows at Mt. St. Helens, walked the streets of Europe during study-abroad trips, and examined historical events through the lens of both migrant and Indigenous stories.

She runs multi-cultural book clubs to explore identity and representation in student-chosen novels. Her social studies units highlight multiple perspectives from marginalized groups throughout history, such as the post-Revolutionary War and Reconstruction in America.

Young also helps lead continuous improvement across Corbett and beyond. She serves on the site council and district bargaining team, leads K–12 curriculum alignment, mentors new teachers, and oversees academic intervention services. She also partners with the Multnomah Education Service District to align social studies standards, secure grants for arts and science materials, and advocate for equity in every corner of the student experience

“When we challenge ourselves, that’s where we grow the most.”

Young’s educational philosophy centers on building meaningful relationships, creating an inclusive and engaging classroom, and fostering a sense of purpose in every student’s learning journey.

“What we’re missing is telling kids, ‘You can do hard things, and I’m here to help you, and I’m still going to keep my expectations high.’ When we challenge ourselves, that’s where we grow the most,” Young says.

Many kids can be blocked by anxiety for tasks that seem hard. With a little encouragement and challenge from teachers like Young, they find ways to do what they want to do but thought they couldn’t, such as giving a speech to classmates.

Her efforts make a real difference.

“As a dedicated educator with over 22 years of experience teaching a multi-age, all-subject, project-based middle school classroom, Rhiannon has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and the broader school community. Her innovation, leadership, and passion for education make her an exceptional candidate for this honor.” Brian Lutes, Building Principal, Corbett Middle School

“She is the kind of tireless advocate for schools and students that gets stuff done. Kids feel comfortable with her, and she makes them know that they belong.” Lucas Houck, Corbett Middle School

“For me, Rhiannon Young has shaped me into the best version of my academic self for the school years to come, from helping me find my own affection for reading to pushing me to go out of my comfort zone socially.” A ninth-grade student at Corbett High School

A reminder of why she shows up.

Winning the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education―which pays the rent or mortgage of grand prize winners for one year―changed everything for Young.

Knowing that people recognized the value of what she does every day, that people took the time to nominate her for the prize, was thrilling. “It was a really neat reminder that this matters and other people are seeing it. In the thick of it, when I’m running around trying to find a glue stick, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, you just don’t realize that the day-to-day work and showing up has an impact.”

Providing recognition to local educators.

Educators aren’t in this alone. Relationships are not confined to the walls of a school; they are the most essential element in continuous learning. Young believes educators need to stay connected with each other to navigate a changing world of learning.

That sense of connection is part of why Young wishes more teachers could experience the recognition and celebration of a nomination for the OnPoint Prize. “It’s just a really neat way of honoring teachers, and I wish we could do it for everybody. I think a lot of teachers do this. They just don’t have the people around them to say, ‘OK, we’re going to do all this work to make this happen for you.’”

Do you know a teacher who has made an impact like Rhiannon Young? Nominations are now open for the 2026 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education. The prize awards $193,000 to local educators and their schools, with the grand-prize winners having their mortgage or rent paid for one year, as well as a donation to their school. Nominate a teacher you care about by April 7, 2026.