Congratulations go out to Irving 2nd grade teacher Nicole Butler-Hooton, Oregon’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Nicole was surprised in a staff Zoom meeting Tuesday, with Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Department of Education Director (and former Bethel superintendent) Colt Gill making an appearance to announce the award.
Nicole is being recognized for what so many of our Shasta Middle School educators value: a close connection with students, families and the school community while centering equity and cultural competency in teaching.
Nicole receives a $5,000 cash award and will represent Oregon for consideration as National Teacher of the Year. Irving also receives a matching $5,000 award.
Hooray for Nicole! She is an excellent representative of Bethel educators and is very deserving of this honor. She is the first Bethel educator to receive this award, but not the first who is deserving of the recognition