We love recognizing achievement by K-12 educators in the state of Oregon and we’re proud to share our first winner in this school year, Andy Nelson, music teacher and band leader at North Albany Middle School.

Humbled by this recognition, Andy is all about empowering his students to find what they thrive on most. We had a chance to catch up with Andy after the ceremony to get his thoughts on the award, what he values most about teaching, optimism about education in Oregon and more.

Education Celebration Award Interview: Andy Nelson

We are accepting nominations for the next Education Celebration Award now. Please visit the Oregon College Savings Plan site for more information.

The gift of college savings.

If you’re looking to give something a little different this year, consider contributing to someone’s Oregon College Savings Plan account.

Just get in touch with the recipient’s account owner and let them know that you would like to contribute. Send them that amount directly to be put in their account.

Then, you can visit the Oregon College Savings Plan gift page and print out a certificate for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Fill in the information and you’ll be giving a gift that lasts a lifetime — the gift of education.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Oregon College Savings Plan.

From the publisher:

With college costs rising at 8% annually, experts agree that saving for college is crucial for today’s youth to be able to attend college. That said, there are many factors that contribute to a successful savings strategy. One of the most important factors is utilizing a 529 college savings plan, sometimes referred to as a 401(k) for kids, which accrues interest over time and is tax-deductible. And when the power of 529 savings is combined with the power of crowdfunding, the amount you save for your child’s college savings can be astonishing, especially if you start saving when they are first born!

Learn about data visualization software.

ocsp podcast 30

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Two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months lost.

Achievement gap.

Loss of academic knowledge and higher risks of obesity over summer months.

There are just some of the statistics that are signaling significant challenges for students when they are away from school during the summer. In fact, some of this research started being released in 1906.

That’s not a typo. 1906.

Reading, along with other educational activities during the summer, is one of the best ways that students of any age can keep their minds and imaginations sharp. It’s also a habit that can get kids pointed in the right direction as they continue their academic careers — including college.

And even though we have just started the month of August, there is still plenty of time to encourage your children to get in the reading habit. Visit your local library. Talk to the staff. See the vast amount of reading opportunity that’s available.

Additionally, there is still time to enter THINK BIG Save For College, our summer reading promotion. We have joined the Oregon State Library and the Oregon Library Association — and are giving away fifteen $1,000 Oregon College Savings Plan accounts. Please take moment to enter before the August 31st deadline.

We wish you a happy remainder of the summer.

And happy reading, every day, throughout the year.

Our final Education Celebration Award winner for the school year, Jody Amri, a second grade teacher at Stafford Primary in West Linn, had no idea that she had won. Her family and colleagues kept it a secret and, at the final school assembly, Jody received the great news.

We had a chance to catch up with her to talk about the award, the surprise, her thoughts on education in Oregon and more.

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We caught up with Catherine after receiving the award — and had a moment to chat about the excitement of winning the award, what she values most about her work, the future of education and more.

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Additionally, we spoke with Rebekah Schneiter, the parent who nominated Catherine, about her motivation for the nomination and more.

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Congratulations to a wonderful educator at another amazing Oregon school.

Our next nomination deadline for the Education Celebration Award is May 15th.

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