Educator of the Year
Honoring Educators in Our Community
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 rent or mortgage for a full year is just one way we recognize the efforts of outstanding educators in our community.
Meet our 2021 Educator of the Year Winners!
Our esteemed Educator of the Year winners will each have their rent or mortgage paid for one full year. Additionally, their schools will receive a $2,500 donation for resources and supplies. Finalists will each receive a $5,000 cash award plus an additional $1,500 to their schools for resources and supplies.
Learn more about our 2021 Educator of the Year Winners and Finalists!
K-5 Finalist
Sato Elementary School, Beaverton School District, Beaverton, OR
Kindergarten
6-8 Finalist
Lake Oswego Junior High School, Lake Oswego School District, Lake Oswego, OR
6-8th grade science
9-12 Finalist
Franklin High School, Portland Public Schools, Portland, OR
9-10th grade English
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.