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.
Meet our 2026 Educator of the Year finalists!
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.
K-5 Finalists
Ashley Reich
4th grade, Holt Elementary, Eugene School District 4J
Sam Wishart
1st grade, City View Charter School, Hillsboro School District
6-8 Finalists
Mikael Benson
6-8th grade Math and Gardening, Harrison Park Middle School, Portland Public Schools
Kristine Napper
6-8th grade Social Studies, Whitford Middle School, Beaverton School District
9-12 Finalists
Stephanie Fitzgerald
9-12th grade Mathematics, Leadership, and Education 101, Colton High School, Colton School District
Heidi Friesen
9-12th grade Chemistry and Physics, Bend Senior High, Bend-LaPine School District
Gold Star Finalists
Kali Dalton
Counselor, Coweeman Middle School, Kelso School District
Yaneira Romero
Social Worker, James John Elementary, Portland Public Schools
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.