The OnPoint Prize

Rewarding Great Teachers

The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education honors and celebrates effective and innovative teaching methods that spark enthusiasm and passion in students and their parents. The OnPoint Prize is awarded at the end of each school year to the teacher who best meets these criteria:
  • Teachers who inspire creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom
  • Educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching methods and style
  • Individuals who have significant impact on students, parents and peers

Anyone – including teachers themselves – can nominate a teacher.

Nominate A Teacher

 
Examples of Previous Portfolio Entries

Click on the links below to view pdf's.

    Awards and Recognition

    On April 30, 2012 teachers will be selected for the 2012 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education Circle of Excellence, from which, the following awards will be given (see Official Contest Rules for additional prize details):

    • Educator of the Year
      One individual will receive his/her mortgage paid for one year, plus $5,000 to his/her school for resources and supplies.
    • Community Choice Winner
      All Circle of Excellence teachers will have the opportunity to be voted on by the public, via www.onpointprize.com. The Circle of Excellence teacher with the most votes will win the Community Choice Award, a $1,500 cash award, and $1,500 for his/her school for resources and supplies.
    • Circle of Excellence Finalists
      The three Circle of Excellence Finalists will win a $1,500 cash award, plus $1,500 for his/her school for resources and supplies.
    • Circle of Excellence Semi-finalists
      The five Circle of Excellence Semi-finalists will win $250 for classroom resources and supplies.
    Official Contest Rules

    Who is eligible?

    Any full-time or job-share classroom teacher, counselor, or librarian of grades K-12 who is employed
    by a public, private or charter school in the counties of Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon, and Clark and Skamania counties in Washington is eligible for the award.

    How will the winning teachers be selected?

    All prizes will be awarded by the OnPoint Prize Selection Committee. This Committee is comprised of individuals interested in, experienced with and involved in education. The Committee includes representatives from OnPoint, educational institutions, state government, educational nonprofit organizations and/or the business community. (The Committee members will not be permitted to enter the contest if they are selected as contest judges.) 

    All teachers will be judged via the following:

    • Ability to inspire creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom
    • Demonstration of exemplary teaching methods and style
    • Individuals who have significant impact on students, parents and peers

    Please refer to the Official Contest Rules for additional information.

    How can I nominate a teacher?

    Nominate your favorite teacher by completing the application and mailing to:

    OnPoint Prize Selection Committee
    P.O. Box 3750
    Portland, OR 97208

    Or, you can drop by your application packet at any OnPoint branch. Click here for a list of locations.