Clatsop Community College (CCC) awarded the first ever Inspiring Teacher Award to honor local high school educators for their exceptional dedication, hard work, and the significant impact they have on their students’ lives. This award highlights the commitment of high school teachers in Clatsop County to inspire and support students in their educational journeys.
Dr. Julie Brown, a member of the CCC English faculty, expressed the faculty’s appreciation for the local high schools, saying, “The faculty of CCC are grateful for the students who are sent to us by our local high schools. We want to recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion that all of our high school teachers exemplify, so we have created the Inspiring Teacher Award to highlight outstanding achievement.”
The selection process for the Inspiring Teacher Award involved a survey conducted by CCC faculty Kama O’Connor and Dr. Julie Brown at each high school within Clatsop County. Students were asked, “Which teacher has inspired you the most in your education, and how did they inspire you?” The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of heartfelt comments from students eager to share their positive experiences. “It was such a joy to collaborate with administration at the schools on this project. We made sure that all of the student comments collected were also shared with the nominated teachers and to see how many teachers were mentioned by name as being inspirational and influential in students’ lives,” stated Kama O’Connor.
“It was a fun privilege to read the comments that students so enthusiastically shared about the teachers who have inspired them to learn and to be their best,” Dr. Brown added.
The 2024 award winners were honored during the Clatsop Community College Awards Night, held on June 6th at the Fort George Lovell Showroom. The distinguished recipients of the Inspiring Teacher Award for this year are:
Astoria High School:
Andrew Lutz- Comment submitted: he always positively uplifts students including myself and he makes his students feel welcome in his room and i enjoy his assignments alot
Alexandra Fuller- Comment submitted: She supported me through tough times (academically and personal) and challenged me past my limit. I have never learned so easily as I did with her.
Seaside High School:
Susan Bartlein – Comment submitted: She understands and is always willing to be flexible. And I also feel like she goes out of her way to connect with her students and make everyone feel comfortable. She is also really supportive and makes class fun.
Vinh Pham- Comment submitted: He has taught me more than just science, he has taught me that life is more than the perfect gpa or the perfect college. He taught me that I still have worth regardless of my grades. He says and does incredibly out of pocket things, but always keeps his students and their growth in mind. Every day in his chemistry class was much harder and a lot more work than I am used to, but I made some of the best memories of my high school education in that classroom.
Warrenton High School:
Karleta Reierson – Comment submitted: Ms. Reierson has done check ins, videos to help students, and talks to students.
Scott Norman- Comment submitted: I can talk to him about whatever I need. Also, his class is so informational. I’ve learned so much about the real world like making good resumes, social skills, bad habits about myself, the list goes on. He is a great teacher. He knows when to be serious and when to joke.
Jewell High School:
Mark Freeman- Comment submitted: He makes an effort talk and build relationships with the students. He’s got a sense of humor and is always willing to work with student.
These educators have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students, fostering environments that not only encourage academic success but also personal growth and confidence. CCC is excited to recognize these exceptional teachers and celebrate their contributions to education in our community.
