OREGON TEACHER OF THE YEAR!
We could not be more excited to share that Willamette High School social studies teacher Nate Jackson has been named the 2027 Oregon Teacher of the Year!
More than 1,200 educators from across Oregon were nominated for this year’s honor — and yesterday, the entire Willamette student body packed the gym for a surprise announcement that Nate had been selected as the statewide winner.
And when the news was announced, the place went wild!
Since he began teaching in 2019, Nate has made a tremendous impact at Willamette. He has played an important role in supporting and organizing Willamette’s Black Student Union and has helped create opportunities for students that extend far beyond the classroom — including coordinating trips for BSU students to the Washington, D.C., area to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Yesterday's celebration brought together Nate’s students, colleagues and family, along with some very special guests, including U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams, Education Initiatives Director Johnna Timmes, and Oregon Lottery staff and supporters who helped make the celebration possible.
As Oregon Teacher of the Year, Nate will receive $10,000, and Willamette High School will receive $5,000.
This is an incredible honor for Nate, Willamette and the entire Bethel community — and seeing hundreds of students on their feet cheering for their teacher made the event even better.
Congratulations, Nate! Oregon Teacher of the Year has a pretty great ring to it.
And a huge thank you to the Oregon Lottery and everyone who helped make the surprise so special. |
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