McMinnville High School (MHS) math teacher Pam Canady was a finalist for the 2016 Teacher of the Year. The honor was announced by Oregon Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Salam Noor at a schoolwide assembly today in the high school gym.
Statewide, more than 28,000 teachers make a difference for children in Oregon every day. Canady is among the top three selected for state recognition and represents the many contributions of all McMinnville school teachers.
Noting Canady’s passion and dedication to her work, Noor presented her with a $2,000 gift check to recognize her “outstanding work,” and, speaking to students, said “she invests in you every day and empowers others.”
Canady, a native Oregonian who is beginning her 10th year of teaching, has spent her entire teaching career at MHS. Named Rotary’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year for MHS last spring, Canady has a wide range of experience and training in STEM education and as an instructional coach, mentor and data team leader.
Canady and Kelly Shipley, co-teacher leaders, have presented the district’s STEM initiative in statewide and national level conferences, including a session at the National Math and Science Partnership Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2014. Canady and other math teaching colleagues were part of a state-wide project to develop an algebra iTunes University course.
The McMinnville High School math department prioritizes the use of research-based practices in their teaching to reach all students, including underrepresented students who need additional support such as English learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged.
As recently as five years ago, the Algebra 1 failure rate at MHS was consistently between 35 and 40 percent. With strong curriculum development, a focus on student growth, and the work of the freshman teaching team, the failure rate in the 2014-15 school year declined to 3 percent.
“The student outcomes that Pam and her colleagues make possible as well as their contributions to increasing student proficiency rates that vastly outpace state averages can’t be overstated,” said Dr. Maryalice Russell, superintendent of the McMinnville School District. “Pam’s leadership and integrity, and her strong and supportive relationship with colleagues, has made a great difference for children.
“In recognition of this honor, and on behalf of all McMinnville School District educators and high school students, we will celebrate this week in all district facilities,” said Russell. “Additional resources will also be awarded to the high school math department to further their work with students.
“Congratulations Pam! Congratulations McMinnville High School staff! Congratulations MHS students and all MDS educators!”