Educator of the Year
About the OnPoint Prize Educator of the Year Award
The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes educators who use innovative teaching approaches to inspire students and make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom—supporting families and strengthening their communities. Nominations are open to anyone, including educators themselves, and the Educator of the Year award honors teachers who best exemplify these values:
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 from each grade category (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
Runners-up will each win a $5,000 cash award, plus an additional $1,500 for their schools to use on resources and supplies.
Gold Star Award
The Gold Star Award honors 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 hove their mortgage or rent paid for one f ull 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 on 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 for 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.
How can I nominate someone for Educator of the Year?
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 ofter submitting the nomination form.
Submit your nomination
Please note: by clicking Submit nomination below you confirm that you have reviewed the nomination go and completed the nomination checklist and are ready to submit your nomination.
Reference Materials
Meet our 2025 Educator of the Year winners!
Our esteemed Educator of the Year winners will have their rent or mortgage paid for one full year. Additionally, their schools will receive a $2,500 donation for resources and supplies. Runners up will each receive a $5,000 cash award plus an additional $1,500 to their schools for resources and supplies.
Ricardo Barber
3rd grade teacher, Faubion Elementary School, Portland Public Schools.
Rhiannon Young
6-8th grade teacher, Corbett Middle School, Corbett School District.
Sophia Aguirre
9-12th grade English Language Development teacher, Aloha High School, Beaverton School District.
Hang Jones
Social Worker, Marysville Elementary, Portland Public Schools.