Clackamas High School English teacher Ethelyn Tumalad was named 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year this morning in a surprise celebration at her school.
The announcement came from Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill in what was promoted as a routine staff meeting. Gov. Brown shared a pre-recorded message of congratulations, and Director Gill and several of his ODE colleagues appeared live via Zoom to honor Ethelyn.
Thanks to a partnership with the Oregon Lottery, Ethelyn will receive $5,000 and a fund to cover her Oregon Teacher of the Year travel expenses. She will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers during the coming year.
In May 2021, Ethelyn was named one of 16 Regional Teachers of the Year following a selection process facilitated by Clackamas Education Service District. In making the regional decision, Clackamas ESD’s blue-ribbon selection panel noted Ethelyn’s deep commitment to advancing equity, honoring diversity and advocating passionately for each of her students.
“We are so proud and excited to celebrate this well-deserved honor with Ethelyn and her family, her students and colleagues, and the entire North Clackamas School District,” said Clackamas ESD Superintendent Larry Didway, who attended this morning’s celebration at Clackamas High School. “She is a shining example of the teaching excellence we witness every day in classrooms across our region and our state. She is such a beacon of light to her students and everyone else around her, and we are delighted she will have the opportunity to publicly represent all Oregon teachers who pour their hearts into their mission to educate and care for students, and help them achieve their full potential.”
Ethelyn is the first Oregon Teacher of the Year from Clackamas County since 2006, when Allan Bruner of Colton High School received the honor.
As 2022 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Ethelyn now becomes eligible for consideration as National Teacher of the Year.
