Whitney Barnes Named Malheur Regional Teacher of the Year

VALE, OR – (Release from the Oregon Lottery) Oregon teachers bring their ingenuity, flexibility, encouragement and expertise to classrooms every day in support of their students. During this global pandemic, teachers have overcome constant challenges requiring transitioning instructional models, developing new ways to create important student connections, learning new teaching platforms and so much more. 

Vale Elementary School teacher, Whitney Barnes was named Malheur’s 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year! Barnes wins a $500 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2022 Teacher of the Year – to be announced this fall.

“Because of my confidence in the principles of love, acceptance and guidance, my classroom operates on laughter, human connections and happiness.” Barnes is quoted from her application.

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members to apply for the award, and are selected by a diverse panel of regional representatives. Later this fall one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year.Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize (with a matching $5,000 going to their school!) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. Three finalists will receive $2,000 with a matching $2,000 going to their school. Please visit OregonTeacheroftheYear.org for more information.