With passion, commitment, and innovation at the heart of their work (even through extraordinary circumstances), 16 teachers were selected from across Oregon as 2023 Regional Teachers of the Year.

Crane Union High School science and art teacher Connie Robbins was named Harney County’s 2023 Regional Teacher of the Year! She won a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

“It is a pleasure to continue to recognize outstanding educators here in Harney County,” Harney Education Service District Superintendent Shannon Criss said. “Connie represents the exemplary teachers who we have in our region. Her passion and ability to connect students with both science and art is a true gift.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends, or family members to apply for the award. Applicants are selected by a diverse panel of regional representatives. Later this fall, one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the 2023 Oregon Teacher of the Year.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2023 Oregon Teacher of the Year receives a $10,000 cash prize. An additional $5,000 is awarded to their school, and they serve 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 or to nominate a deserving teacher for 2024.