Featured Alumni

Teaching Brotherly Love for African Sister School

Jeremiah Hubbard, MAT '04, is Jenny Smith’s favorite teacher at Southridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon—even though she's never had him for a class. Instead, Smith is a member of Southridge's Uganda Sister School Club, which raises money to help students at St. Andrew’s Secondary School in Matale, Uganda. Hubbard is the club's advisor and estimates his students have raised over $20,000 for their sister school, most of which has gone to the construction of a science lab. His work on behalf of St. Andrew's, including a trip to Uganda in summer 2008 with five Southridge students, was recently celebrated by Oregonian columnist Steve Duin: Read the article.

In the meantime, Jenny Smith submitted a video recognizing Hubbard's impact on the school to the Oregon Education Association's "Working Wonders Video Contest." The video won second place and $1,000 cash prizes for herself, Hubbard, and the school.

Outstanding Teaching at Valor Middle School

Jason Rodgers, who received his MAT in Music Education in 1999, was awarded a Crystal Apple award for outstanding teaching at Valor Middle School in Woodburn, Oregon, where he is the Director of Bands and Choirs. The Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce annually hosts the Crystal Apple Awards Dinner where staff from Woodburn schools are honored for their exceptional work with students. Honorees are identified through a community-wide nomination process and are chosen by a Chamber-appointed selection committee. They are then honored at a dinner hosted by the Chamber in November. As a part of the ceremony, honorees receive a crystal apple in recognition of their contribution to their school organizations in relation to a set of pre-established criteria.

This was the 2nd year in which Jason was nominated for the award. In the words of his proud wife, Jessica Youngman (BA Biology '98), “Another Lewis and Clark graduate making a difference in the world, one marimba, clarinet, and flute at a time!

Empowering a New Generation of Women

The seeds of positive change are sown by thoughtful professionals, leaders, and change agents whose personal and professional lives reflect creativity, compassion, and a commitment to diversity and social justice. Such is the case with Annette Klinefelter, a graduate school alumna and founder of Portland-based advocacy group, Girls Inc. N.W. Oregon. Published Dec 7, 2007.

Rocketing to Exceptional

As principal of Russell Academy of Academic Achievement, he raised the bar by collaborating with staff, parents, and students to set new goals and create new opportunities for success. The school is now rated "exceptional" by the state. Meet Jeff Rose M.A.T. '97. Published July 27, 2007.

Teacher of the Year

Kathleen Larson B.A. '92, M.E. '00 was named the Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Washington teacher of the year. Her work at Vancouver's Evergreen High School includes teaching a wide range of subjects, designing curriculum, and advocating for deaf and special education students. Published Oct 11, 2007.

Reaching Every Child

The first African American woman to attend the University of Mississippi, Verna Bailey M.Ed. '79 is now the principal of Beaverton's Montclair Elementary. Each day she welcomes her nearly 340 students individually and encourages them to excel. Published June 11, 2007.

Motivating With Music

The Deep Roots Music Project, brainchild of Chris Gragg M.A.T. '04, inspires high school students to be active readers and writers. Begun as an experiment in motivating apathetic teens, the program has spawned several creative ventures and is drawing national attention. Published April 16, 2007.

Poet in the Classroom

Winner of the 2003 Oregon Book Award for The Play of Light and Dark, an autobiographical collection of poetry, she shares her passion for words with her high school students. Meet Rita Ott Ramstad M.A.T. '98. Published December 22, 2006.

Creativity in Teaching

Heather Renz M.A.T. '90 was recently named an honoree at the Disney Teacher Awards: Celebrating Creativity in Teaching. The award is given to full time teachers who exhibit innovative teaching methods. Meet Heather Renz. Published August 11, 2006

More . . .

• Sara Johnson ’02 Named Elementary Principal of the Year

• Kathryn Legace M.A.T. '97 Named Principal at Mountain View High School

• Nancy Ferguson M.Ed. ’02, Elementary School Counselor of the Year

• Elsa Bro M.A.T. '03, Teaching the Art of Language

• Allen Hall M.A. '06 & Satya Byock '04, Tsunami Response: Alumni in Sri Lanka

• Tami Beth Katz M.A.T. ’00, Teaching by Design

• Abby Myers M.A.T. ’99, Show Me the Data

• Merle Marceau M.A. ’01, Addictions Counselor Returns to His Tribal Roots

• Coleen Swihart '99, 2001 Outstanding Biology Teacher

• Terry Jones M.Ed. ’76, Jones Champions Male Elders

• Matt Biondi M.A.T. ’00, Matt Biondi’s Next Challenge: Teaching

• Susan Harris MacKay M.A.T. '97, M.A.T. Alumni Bring Stellar Skills to Classrooms