PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Joseph Prechtl, Communications Director
jprechtl@509j.net | 541-475-6192 Ext. 2225
Christa Rohrbach Named Jefferson County Regional Teacher of the Year
Candidate for 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Christa Rohrbach as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Rohrbach teaches English at Jefferson County Middle School.
Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. 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 pre-K-12.
As stated in her nomination by a colleague, “One of Mrs. Rohrbach’s greatest strengths is her ability to build strong, positive relationships with students. Our community is highly diverse, and she teaches with a social justice and equity lens always in place, making sure students have opportunities to explore who they are and make connections with their lives and cultures in the classroom.”
As the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Coordinator, Rohrbach, revitalized the 6th-grade transition program after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering leadership among 8th-grade students and offering vital support to incoming middle schoolers. In addition to guiding students as the Yearbook Teacher, Rohrbach serves as the ELA Department’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) Lead, where they spearhead discussions on initiatives, systems, and strategies to improve overall school performance and student success. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the school environment exemplifies her passion for education and student growth.
“Christa is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable learning environment for all students,” JCMS Assistant Principal Shannon Richards stated in her nomination of Rohrbach. “Her belief in the philosophy that “everybody belongs” resonates throughout her teaching practices, making her the natural selection to be our school WEB leader dedicated to character education and facilitating positive transitions into and out of middle school. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and celebrated, irrespective of academic achievements or behavior.”
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.
“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”
Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.*
Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $1.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Jefferson County School District, and $1.98 million went to Jefferson County.
“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”
The full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.
Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.
*Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.