Free event January 12 includes Heather Anderson keynote, student performances, culinary showcase and more.
The community is invited to an evening celebration in honor of Heather Anderson, Oregon’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. Anderson, a fourth grade teacher at Juniper Elementary School, was awarded Oregon’s highest teaching honor by the state superintendent of education this winter. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson will formally congratulate Anderson and recognize her for her leadership at a free community event from 5:30 – 7:30pm on Tuesday, January 12, at the Tower Theatre in Bend. A meet and greet with Anderson, Superintendent Mikalson, local students and school board members will take place from 5 – 5:30pm in the Tower Theatre lobby.
“Heather is an outstanding teacher with a wonderful story to share. I am excited for her to have this forum to share her passion for teaching and learning with the community,“ said Mikalson.
Mikalson said that many student groups will also be featured including elementary school aged artists and scientists, middle school aged choir and band members and each of the seven local high school state championship teams.
“In addition to all of the student art and performances, another treat for our guests will be the opportunity to taste the cuisine prepared by our aspiring chefs,” Mikalson added. “We will start the night with appetizers and end the night with desserts created, prepared and served by our outstanding culinary students.”
A brief meeting of the Bend-La Pine Schools Board of Directors will follow the event in the theatre.
About Heather Anderson
Anderson grew up in Bend and graduated from Bend Senior High School. She comes from a family of educators. Anderson is known for embracing and integrating new technology into her classroom; for working to close the achievement gap among students; and for supporting and seeking out professional development for herself and for fellow teachers.
“It’s a huge honor to be able to represent our town and state. Bend is my hometown, I’m a product of Bend-La Pine Schools and now teaching here winning this award is amazing,” said Anderson. In her Teacher of the Year application, she wrote, “I motivate children by building strong relationships, emphasizing hard work and celebrating success.”
As Oregon Teacher of the Year, Heather will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers and will attend the Washington Recognition Week for Teachers of the Year in Washington, D.C. in April where she will meet President Barack Obama and the U.S. Secretary of Education.
The last teacher from Bend-La Pine Schools to win Oregon Teacher of the Year was Bonnie Elliott from Bend Senior High School in 1991. Jack Ensworth won the award in 1972 (he went on to win the National Teacher of the Year). Bend-La Pine Schools has three recent Oregon Principal of the Year winners: H.D. Weddel, Bruce Reynolds and Jay Mathisen. Former Superintendent Ron Wilkinson was named Oregon Superintendent of the Year in 2012.
