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2011-12 Oregon Teacher of the Year

Elena Garcia-Velasco headshot
Elena Garcia-Velasco, a Spanish Language Arts teacher at Roosevelt High School in Portland, was the 2011-12 Oregon Teacher of the Year.

“I have spent the last fourteen years of my life paying very close attention to the issues my students face on a daily basis and responding with the best instruction I can possibly offer them. I’ve essentially focused my efforts around removing any obstacles to college access. In the process, I’ve designed programs to fit their needs and push them to go beyond what they envision for themselves, to exceed their own expectations.”
- Elena Garcia-Velasco


Other Honors

Elena Garcia-Velasco was awarded a civil order of merit, Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica, by the Spanish Ambassador. Click here PDF for Elena’s reflections on receiving this honor.


Teacher of the Year in the News


2011 Teacher of the Year Video Clip – October 21, Portland Public Schools

Oregon's new Teacher of the Year puts students first, demands a lot, and gets it – October 13, Oregonian

Roosevelt High Spanish teacher is Oregon's new Teacher of the Year – October 13, Oregonian

Ore. Teacher of the Year from Portland school – October 13, KGW

Roosevelt Teacher named Oregon's Best – October 13, Portland Public Schools

Alumna named Oregon Teacher of the Year – October 17, Lewis and Clark

OWP Teacher Consultant named Oregon Teacher of the Year – Lewis and Clark



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