Educator of the Year
About the OnPoint Prize Educator of the Year Award
The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education celebrates those who embrace innovative teaching techniques that ignite enthusiasm in the lives of their students. These special educators reach beyond the classroom to positively impact families and the communities in which they live. Anyone—including teachers themselves—can nominate an educator.
Educator of the Year is awarded to the teachers who best meet these criteria:
Creativity and enthusiasm
Educators 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 educator 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 educator 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 educator 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 Runners-up
One each from grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12
Runners-up will each win a $5,000 cash award, plus an additional $1,500 to their schools for resources and supplies.
Gold Star Award
This year, we are introducing a new category, the Gold Star Award, to honor education professionals such as Pre-Kindergarten Teachers, Counselors, Librarians and School Administrators who go above and beyond to support students.
Gold Star Winners
One educator will have their mortgage or rent paid for one full year and receive a $2,500 donation to their school for resources and supplies.
Gold Star Runners-up
One runner-up will receive a $5,000 cash award plus an additional $1,500 to their school for resources and supplies.
Who is eligible?
Any full-time or job-share classroom teacher, counselor, librarian or school administrator of grades Pre-K-12 who is employed by an accredited public, private or charter school in the counties OnPoint serves is eligible for the award.
Oregon
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, or Yamhill.
Washington
Clark and Skamania.
How can I nominate a teacher?
Please follow the four steps below to begin the Educator of the Year nomination process.
Review the nomination guidelines
Make sure you understand the nomination guidelines and contest rules before you submit your nomination.
Complete the nomination checklist
The Educator of the Year nomination consists of four components. Complete all items in the nomination checklist before submission. Partial or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Prepare nomination, forms and attachments
Please note, attachments will be required to send after submitting the nomination form.
Submit your nomination
Please note: by clicking Submit nomination below, you confirm that you have reviewed the nomination guidelines and completed the nomination checklist, and are ready to submit your nomination.