Medford, Ore.- A bi-lingual kindergarten teacher at Medford’s Howard Elementary School was surprised Wednesday morning as she was named Oregon’s 2017 Teacher of the Year.
Gloria Pereyra-Robertson was presented the award by Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Salam Noor.
“Gloria Pereyra-Robertson is an outstanding example of excellence in the teaching profession. She is a passionate and dedicated educator who shares a deep commitment to equity and the belief that each and every student can learn,” said Noor. “She sets high expectations of her classroom and works tirelessly to help many of Oregon’s youngest students learn and grow. It is an honor to recognize her as this year’s Teacher of the Year.”
Pereyra-Robertson has taught for 20 years, the last 13 of which have been at Howard Elementary School. Pereyra-Robertson credits her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the 1950s, as the driving force behind her desire to embrace education and enter the teaching profession.
“I am committed to building bridges between our school, parents and community- one that supports and respects all cultures, languages and diversity,” said Pereyra-Robertson.
The Oregon Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Oregon Lottery. It provides a $5,000 cash award to the winner, as well as a matching award to the winner’s school.
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