Joined by her family, Waldport High School administrators, Lincoln County School District administrators, the entire student body, and Oregon State Lottery officials, math teacher Heather Greel was recognized last Wednesday as the Regional Teacher of the Year!

Heather Greel is a first generation college graduate who deeply understands the role schools play as safe, opportunity filled spaces for students. Heather’s road to education was a windy one as she followed her active duty husband around the world. Heather ultimately graduated Honors with Distinction and Summa Cum Laude from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013, with a B.A. in History Education.

After a military move to Germany, Heather completed her M.A. in Math Education while working as a special education aide in an elementary school. Heather’s time in this position showed her the art of teaching and how joy and creativity can make a classroom come alive.

In 2017, Heather moved home to Oregon where she accepted her first teaching position at Siletz Early College Academy. In Siletz, Heather solidified her teaching philosophy that the most important component to student success is the community teacher’s build within their classrooms.

In 2019, Heather transitioned to Waldport High School where she has consistently stepped into leadership roles in an effort to improve her school and her practice. Heather is currently a TAG coordinator, mentor teacher, union representative, National Honor Society co-adviser, leadership team and AVID site team member.

In 2020, Heather was named the South Area Teacher of the Year for the Lincoln County School District, due to her work in maintaining relationships with students during the COVID shut down. Heather’s desire to grow and learn is further reflected in her current work towards National Board Certification.

Congratulations Heather and good luck as you advance in the process of potentially becoming Oregon’s Teacher of the Year!