The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Yesenia Marquez-Barragan as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year. Marquez-Barragan teaches kindergarten dual language immersion at Chenowith Elementary School in The Dalles.
Marquez-Barragan was honored at an all-school assembly the morning of Sept. 20. She was surprised by representatives from Oregon Lottery as well as North Wasco County School District (NWCSD) and Columbia Gorge Educational Service District (ESD) with the announcement. She was presented with bouquets of flowers and a check for $1,000 as students and staff excitedly cheered for her. According to Stephanie Bowen, communications director for NWCSD, Chenowith has a standing Friday morning assembly, so Marquez-Barragan did not know it was being held in her honor.
“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,” said an Oregon Lottery press release.
Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners are identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 ESDs 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 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.”