91传媒

91传媒 Adjunct Professor Dr. Mandy Vance Named Oregon’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year

91传媒 Adjunct Professor Dr. Mandy Vance Named Oregon’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 (91传媒) proudly congratulates Dr. Mandy Vance, an adjunct professor in 91传媒’s Health and Human Performances Program, on being named Oregon鈥檚 2023-24 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Vance, also a middle school teacher at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy, Oregon, is celebrated for her exceptional commitment to empowering students, creating inclusive environments, and fostering transformative educational experiences.

Governor Tina Kotek joined the Oregon Department of Education in recognizing Dr. Vance鈥檚 outstanding dedication to education, praising her focus on relational teaching and community involvement. 

鈥淭eachers like Mandy are so important to ensuring every child has a safe and high-quality public education,鈥� said Governor Kotek. 鈥淗er commitment to volunteerism and empowering students is incredible, and I鈥檓 thrilled to see her efforts being honored.鈥�

Known for her adaptability and determination, Dr. Vance has been a leader in the Oregon Trail School District for over 15 years, designing and teaching creative science, athletic leadership, and academic success courses. Her dedication to understanding the needs of Generation Z athletes formed the foundation of her doctoral research at Concordia University. This research has been instrumental in guiding her work, where she helps students not only reach their academic goals but also develop as positive leaders both in and outside the classroom.

鈥淎s a relational educator, I know much of my success in the classroom is because I take the time to get to know each of my students. While this is extremely important, I am just one cog in the wheel of academic success,鈥� Vance said in her application. 鈥淎lone we can only do so much, but when we know our students鈥� stories, are each willing to contribute our own gifts and expertise, and operate with gritty determination to discover what works for each student, this is when they are able to succeed in our schools.鈥�

Dr. Vance鈥檚 selection as Oregon Teacher of the Year also reflects 91传媒鈥檚 ongoing commitment to promoting educational excellence. 91传媒 President Kelly Ryan commented, 鈥淒r. Vance鈥檚 recognition is a testament to the type of impactful, community-focused education that 91传媒 strives to support. We are proud to have her as a part of our university family, inspiring future educators and leaders.鈥�

As Oregon鈥檚 2023-24 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Vance will serve as a spokesperson and advocate for educators across the state, participating in year-long professional development opportunities and networking with Teachers of the Year from across the country through the Chief Council of State School Officers鈥� National Teacher of the Year program. She will also receive a $10,000 cash award, with an additional $5,000 awarded to the Oregon Trail School District.

The Oregon Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, instructional expertise, and community impact. Dr. Vance鈥檚 achievement places her among Oregon鈥檚 most dedicated educators, and 91传媒 is honored to celebrate her continued contributions to the field of education.For more information about Dr. Mandy Vance and her work with 91传媒, please visit eou.edu/hhp.