Educator of the Year
Honoring educators in our community
Winners receive their mortgage or rent paid for a full year.
As a community credit union founded by schoolteachers, the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education is about recognizing schoolteachers for the work that they do, particularly in a year where teachers faced historic challenges. Paying a teacher’s mortgage or rent for a full year is just one way we recognize the efforts of outstanding educators in our community.
How can I nominate a teacher?
Nominations for the 2022 Educator of the Year will be accepted starting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Please check back then for more information about how to nominate a teacher for the Educator of the Year award.
About the OnPoint Prize Educator of the Year Award
The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education celebrates innovative teaching methods that spark enthusiasm and passion in students, parents and their community. Anyone—including teachers themselves—can nominate a teacher. Educator of the Year is awarded to the teachers who best meet these criteria:
Creativity and enthusiasm
Teachers who inspire creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom.
Teaching methods
Educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching methods and style.
Community impact
Individuals who have significant impact on students, parents, peers and their community.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Educators who demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion inside their classroom and school.
Who is awarded what amount?
OnPoint has always understood that investing in education is one of the best ways to build thriving communities. Through the OnPoint Prize Educator of the Year award, we recognize the following:
Educator of the Year
Grades K-5
One teacher representing grades K-5 will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their school for resources and supplies.
Educator of the Year
Grades 6-8
One teacher representing grades 6-8 will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their school for resources and supplies.
Educator of the Year
Grades 9-12
One teacher representing grades 9-12 will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their school for resources and supplies.
Three Finalists
One each from grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12
Finalists will each win a $5,000 cash award, plus an additional $1,500 to their schools for resources and supplies.
Who is eligible?
Any full-time or job-share classroom teacher, counselor, or librarian of grades K-12 who is employed by an accredited public, private or charter school in the counties OnPoint serves is eligible for the award.
Counties we serve: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill counties in Oregon, and Clark and Skamania counties in Washington.