Educator of the Year
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 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 (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) is eligible for the award.
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 (New!)
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.
How can I nominate a teacher?
Please follow the steps below to begin the Educator of the Year nomination process.
1
Review the nomination guidelines
Make sure you understand the nomination guidelines and contest rules before you submit your nomination. Online submissions are strongly encouraged.
2
Complete the nomination checklist
The Educator of the Year nomination consists of four parts. Complete all items in the nomination checklist before submission. Partial or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
3
Prepare nomination, forms and attachments
Our nomination process can be completed electronically or in print. Please note the attachments that are required to send after submitting the nomination form.