Eastern Oregon University > Academics > Oregon Rural Teacher Corps names inaugural class

Oregon Rural Teacher Corps names inaugural class

Sept. 15, 2022

Oregon Rural Teacher Corps names inaugural class

Red Foothill barn and rainbow.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Teach Rural Oregon and the Eastern Oregon University College of Education are pleased to announce the selection of the inaugural class of the Oregon Rural Teacher Corps (ORTC). ORTC is part of a catalyst grant partnership with the Rural Schools Collaborative in order to provide peer support, travel money, classroom supplies, professional development and financial assistance to a select group of current EOU Master of Arts in Teaching candidates who choose to teach in rural and underserved communities in Oregon. 

Funding for the ORTC is provided through generous grants from the following organizations:

  • Teach Rural Oregon/EOU College of Education 
  • Wallowa Region 18 ESD
  • The Oregon Department of Education
  • The Educator Advancement Council
  • Rural Schools Collaborative
  • The Ford Family Foundation
  • The Roundhouse Foundation

The following is the initial class of 12 candidates from throughout Oregon:

  • Kolbe Bales, an instructor at Imbler Elementary School in Imbler, Oregon
  • Janea Conner, an instructor at Wallowa Elementary/Middle/High School in Wallowa, Oregon
  • Tina Dickson, an instructor at Culver Middle School in Culver, Oregon
  • Robert Duke, an instructor at Athena Elementary School and Weston McEwen High School in Athena, Oregon
  • Jennifer Fuentes, an instructor at McNary Heights Elementary School in Umatilla, Oregon
  • Dennise Hinton, an instructor at Hines Middle School in Hines, Oregon
  • Christopher Hull, an instructor at Umatilla High School in Umatilla, Oregon
  • Tate Lightle, an instructor at Fremont/A.D. Hay Elementary School in Lakeview, Oregon
  • Jose Ortiz, an instructor at Irrigon Junior/Senior High School in Irrigon, Oregon
  • Daniel Puerta, an instructor at Riverside Junior/Senior High School in Boardman, Oregon
  • Marco Retono, an instructor at Union Elementary/Middle/High School in Union, Oregon
  • BoDean Tayer, an instructor at Pine Eagle Elementary School in Halfway, Oregon

The inaugural program will run through 2023 and will conclude with a formal celebration in mid-June during EOU’s graduation weekend.

To learn more about Teach Rural Oregon visit eou.edu/teach-rural-oregon/.