STEM teacher to be considered for 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year
Michele Reschly has been named one of Oregon’s 17 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year! Reschly teaches STEM to students at Patton Middle School.
The surprise announcement was made this morning during the Professional Learning Community session for Patton staff. She was presented with a $1,000 cash prize from the Oregon Lottery.
The recognition puts Reschly in the running for Oregon Teacher of the Year for 2023-24.
The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.
“These impressive educators inspire possibility and promise both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education. “Earning this recognition means that an educator has built strong relationships and partnerships with students and families and empowered students to reach their fullest potential.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.
“Students in Michele’s classes have a champion,” said Patton Principal Allison Eitzen. “She connects with students and works hard to learn about their interests. She is patient and allows students to fail and try again in both academic and non-academic activities. It is not uncommon for a student who struggles in other areas to find success in Michele’s classes, and she will often advocate for challenging students.”
Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $9 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $3.7 million dollars of Oregon Lottery funding went to the McMinnville School District, and more than $8.7 million dollars went to Yamhill County.
Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” said Mike Wells, director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and ability to uplift their communities.”