PORTLAND, Ore.–OnPoint Community Credit Union announced that Emily Ferguson has been named K–8 Educator of the Year and Doug Beardsley was named 9–12 Educator of the Year. The top prize pays each teacher’s mortgage for one school year and awards a $2,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies.
The annual OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes exceptional teachers throughout Oregon and southwest Washington for their ability to encourage creativity, inspire enthusiasm for learning, and positively impact their students. Since 2010, hundreds of teachers have been nominated by their peers, students, and parents. At the conclusion of its seventh year, OnPoint has honored 50 teachers with prizes reaching nearly $200,000.
Ferguson has 10 years of teaching experience and stood out for her ability to adapt and modify curriculum to simultaneously meet the varying needs of each student. She has fostered an environment where students are encouraged to grow as writers and citizens. Her impact is reflected in the many creative projects and opportunities implemented for her students such as the Winterhaven Variety Show, and the 8th grade capstone project: a rock opera, which is written and performed--from cast to crew to musicians--entirely by her students. Ferguson will receive her mortgage paid for one school year by OnPoint Community Credit Union, plus $2,500 for her school to be used for resources and supplies.
Beardsley, a former Pediatric Neurology Researcher at Oregon Health Sciences University, has been teaching Biology at Reynolds for over 13 years. He was recognized for his ability to create challenging and engaging curriculum, and for inspiring students for years after leaving his classroom. In addition to his classes, Beardsley has motivated students as Senior Class Advisor, by creating an Honors Biology program and guiding students through the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. Beardsley will receive his mortgage paid for one school year by OnPoint Community Credit Union, plus $2,500 for his school to be used for resources and supplies.
“As a credit union founded by teachers more than 80 years ago, OnPoint has always understood that inspiring educators make a tremendous difference in the lives of students and in the communities where we live,” said OnPoint Community Credit Union’s President and CEO, Rob Stuart. “The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education is our opportunity to recognize the creativity and dedication of teachers who impact in our lives.”
Other 2016 finalists each received $2,500 for themselves and $1,000 for their schools for resources and supplies
Below, from left to right: Emily Ferguson, K-8 Educator of the Year from Winterhaven School; Rob Stuart, President/CEO OnPoint Community Credit Union; Darlyn Chester on behalf of Doug Beardsley, 9-12 Educator of the Year from Reynolds High School.