GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A PE teacher at Riverside Elementary School has been named Southern Oregon's 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, the Grants Pass School District announced on Tuesday morning.

Teacher Jordan Werner won a $500 cash prize from the Oregon Lottery and is now in the running for Oregon's 2021 Teacher of the Year, which will be announced this coming fall. 15 Regional Teacher of the Year were chosen throughout the state of Oregon.

“Jordan is a passionate and dedicated PE teacher,” Riverside Principal Rob Henderson said. “He teaches healthy lifestyles, a variety of fun and healthy ways to be active and builds extremely positive relationships with students and families. Jordan is the type of teacher that makes kids want to come to school every day!”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members to apply for the award, and are selected by a panel of regional representatives.

“All three of my daughters had Jordan as a PE teacher,” Superintendent Kirk Kolb said. “He was very influential in broadening their interests in sports and a great range of recreational activities. We are proud of his leadership in Physical Education and the experiences he provides students.”

The 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize and a matching $5,000 grant for their school, also serving as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. Three finalists will receive $2,000 with a matching $2,000 going to their school.

"Oregon educators never cease to amaze me with their resilience, creativity and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “I’m honored and grateful to celebrate these 15 Regional Teachers of the Year for their excellence in this pivotal profession.”