VETERAN’S DAY
Special Edition
November 7, 2018
Mississippi
Alberta
North Portland
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photo by o regon D epartMent of e DuCation
Kari Pilgrim Ricker (second from left) is named Oregon Teacher of the Year during a recent ceremony at Churchill High in Eugene. Also pictured (from left) are Eugene
Superintendent Gustavo Balderas, Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon schools chief Colt Gill.
Educator
promotes equity
in health careers
Teacher
An African-American educator
who has focused on promoting di-
versity and equity in science, en-
gineering, technology, and math
(STEM) has been honored with
the title of Oregon Teacher of the
Year.
With a passion for leadership
and a tireless advocacy for her
students, Keri Pilgrim Ricker, of
Churchill High School in Eugene
was presented with the award
during a ceremony last month with
Oregon Department of Educa-
tion Director Colt Gill, Gov. Kate
Brown, Eugene School District
of the
Superintendent Gustavo Balderas,
and Churchill High Principal Greg
Borgerding.
Pilgrim Ricker has used her
background in biology, ecology
and animal science to develop a
customized curriculum for her
students rooted in inquiry and re-
Year
al-world application.
Focusing on career and tech-
nical education as a health occu-
pations educator, she champions
some of the most in-demand jobs
on the market. She maintains a col-
laborative network of healthcare
professionals, non-profit organiza-
tions, post-secondary institutions
and families to create dynamic
healthcare simulation units aligned
to her students’ career interests.
Her classrooms are also focused
on diversity of thought, ideas, peo-
ple and narratives.
“When students feel the need to
discuss a topic I hold that space,”
she said. “We agree to listen, stay
present, accept discomfort, speak
our truths and accept non-closure.
C ontinueD on p age 15