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Past ORTC Candidates

Past ORTC Candidates

2022 Cohort

OTRC Candidate Kolbe Bales

Kolbe Bales

From Dufur, OR
Teaching at Imbler Charter School

“My future goals as a teacher involve creating a safe learning environment, being a strong/positive role model for our youth, and implementing the importance of education…In today’s day and age, many students may not have a positive male influence in their lives. My goal is to help be that positive male influence for these students.”

OTRC Candidate Dennise Blevins

Dennise Blevins

From Prineville, OR
Teaching at Hines Middle School

“I hope to have a classroom at Burns High School where I can create a safe and inviting space for rural Oregon students to experience literature and writing like they never have before.”

OTRC Candidate Tina Dickson

Tina Dickson

From Condon, OR
Teaching at Culver High School

“I want to provide students from rural Oregon with a consistent, effective, quality education that instills values they will carry with them for a lifetime…”

OTRC Candidate Robert Duke

Robert Duke

From Athena, OR
Teaching at Athena Elementary School and Weston McEwen High School, Athena

“Rural communities in Oregon need qualified, trusted, and driven teachers. That is what I strive to be for my rural community…I have always wanted to give back to the community that raised me.”

OTRC Candidate Jennifer Fuentes

Jennifer Fuentes

From Hermiston, OR
Teaching at McNary Heights Elementary School, Umatilla

“My future teaching goal is to provide a classroom environment in which each student feels valued and receives the education that they deserve…I will provide a classroom environment that celebrates diversity amongst students, as well as inclusiveness.”

OTRC Candidate Chris Hull

Chris Hull

From Pendleton, OR
Teaching at Umatilla High School

“It is my belief that education has always been a starting point for meaningful change. In rural high schools, we are in a position to teach essential skills to the youth of today, who then become technology ambassadors for their community.”

OTRC Candidate Tate Lightle

Tate Lightle

From Lakeview, OR
Teaching at Fremont Elementary School, Lakeview

“As the only male primary teacher in my district, I am super excited to teach and positively impact 14 kindergarteners this year.”

OTRC Candidate Jose Ortiz

Jose Ortiz

From Fort Lauderdale, FL
Teaching at Irrigon Jr/Sr High School

“This is the beginning of my 5th year teaching and I have found my niche. I do not enjoy working with the students who have had privilege and easy lives…They are not built with the grit of a student from underserved and rural areas. That is the type of student I want to work with.”

OTRC Candidate Marco Retano

Marco Retano

From Culver, OR
Teaching at Union Jr/Sr High School

“One of my teaching goals is to be one of those educators that helps students become the best version of themselves…It is important to me that students in underserved communities get the education and care they deserve.”