OCSD sTaff Awards
One of the most joyful and rewarding parts of our 150th anniversary celebration was honoring 150 Community VIPs—individuals whose service and heart have shaped Oregon City. That experience reminded us just how powerful it is to pause and say: “You made a difference.”
Now, we’re inspired to continue that spirit of celebration by turning the spotlight inward—toward the amazing people who make a difference for students every single day.
At Oregon City School District, students are at the center of everything we do. From the classroom to the bus stop, the front office to the lunch line, every staff member plays a vital role in helping our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
To celebrate the incredible individuals who make this happen every day, we’re excited to open nominations for the OCSD Staff Awards—a recognition program grounded in our district’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. These awards honor staff across all roles—certified and classified alike—who help bring our shared priorities to the student experience.
We’re looking for nominations that highlight real impact—whether it’s a staff member who creates hands-on career learning opportunities, someone who lifts others through inclusive practices, or a quiet problem-solver who transforms how we support students.
🎉 Nominate a staff member who is making a difference by completing this form by Wednesday, May 29.
💬 Want to help select the winners? You can also use the form to express interest in serving on the selection committee. Our award winners will be announced in August during our annual fall kick off before the start of the school year.
Instructional Excellence
Effective, inclusive teaching; student voice and agency; professional growth
The Student Impact Award - For demonstrating steadfast dedication to student growth through engaging, evidence-based, and student-centered education approaches that support student growth and learning.
👉 Focus: Impact on students, innovation in engagement and access.
The Professional Practice Award - For modeling a growth mindset in instructional practice using data, feedback, and collaboration to refine approaches and deliver impactful, student-centered learning.
👉 Focus: Growth of the educator, collaboration, and instructional refinement.
Career and College Readiness
Postsecondary readiness, real-world learning, future planning
The Future Ready Award- For empowering students to explore future possibilities and pathways to meaningful career and college that prepare students; and fostering real-world connections, critical thinking, and a belief in their potential for what’s next.
👉 Focus: Postsecondary planning, tools, and developing a future-focused mindset.
The Real-World Connected Award - For creating hands-on, experiential learning opportunities—through applied studies and projects, internships, industry visits, guest speakers, etc.—that help students connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
👉 Focus: Real-world application of learning through experiences, partnerships, or projects
Robust Systems for Belonging and Well-being
Safe, inclusive environments; wellness systems; trusted adults
The Lift and Lead Award - For fostering an inclusive culture and for creating spaces of emotional safety, trust, and belonging—ensuring everyone in the school community feels valued, seen, and supported.
👉 Focus: Inclusive culture-building and emotional safety.
The Wellness Award - For leading efforts that proactively support student(s) and staff mental health, helps meaningfully connect students, reduce stigma, and expand access to wellness resources.
👉 Focus: Mental health awareness, purposeful connections, and proactive wellness practices.
Engaged Communities
Family and community partnerships; volunteerism; shared responsibility
The All-In Award - For demonstrating unwavering dedication to the district’s mission through shared leadership—stepping in, stepping up, and bringing others along to move the work forward.
👉 Focus: Collaborative leadership, exceptional commitment, and lifting the collective capacity of the school community.
The Connector Award - For building bridges across schools, families, and the broader community through inclusive partnerships, volunteerism, and open, respectful communication; that helps our district feel welcoming to all.
👉 Focus: Strengthening school-family-community collaboration and removing access barriers.
Safe and Engaging Learning Environments
Physical safety, emotional climate, accessibility, inclusive spaces
The Spark Award - For lighting the way with fresh ideas—solving problems, improving experiences, and finding better ways to support students, staff, or school culture.
👉 Focus: Creative problem-solving and meaningful improvement, no matter the role.
The Space Maker Award - For cultivating spaces—physical or emotional—where students feel safe, inspired, and ready to learn, whether through inclusive practices, care and upkeep, climate or environment.
👉 Focus: Designing inclusive, safe, and inspiring learning environments.