What's Happening in Portland, OR…

Nicole De Lagrave, a 5th grade teacher, recently received the news that she is a 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year finalist.

De Lagrave was surprised when the honor was announced at the assembly last Monday at Northeast Portland’s Jason Lee Elementary, where she is employed. In addition to being a statewide finalist, she was also chosen as the Multnomah Regional Teacher of the Year, receiving a $1,000 cash price along with that title.

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Nominated by her colleagues, students, administrators, family and friends, De Lagrave had letters of support and testimonials submitted to the judging committee. On her application she said:

“My goal is to make sure that students enter middle school already infused with a tremendous sense of self and community.”

Every year since 1955, Oregon has designated a Teacher of the Year. A partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery will reward that teacher, who will be named in October and claim a $10,000 prize, plus funds to cover travel costs for the year. The Oregon Teacher of the Year’s school will receive a $5,000 award as well.

A National Teacher of the Year will be chosen from the Teacher of the Year winners in each state, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.