The Oregon Council on Economic Education (OCEE) seeks to recognize educators in the state of Oregon who demonstrate excellence in the teaching of economics.  This award promotes education in economics by honoring exceptional teachers who effectively convey economic ideas to their students, which will help them make responsible choices throughout their lives.

1. $500 Cash Award.
2. Recognition by OCEE, including newsletters, website, social media, and mailings.
3. Invitation to present at teaching workshops to share best practices.
4. Automatic nomination by OCEE for the national John Morton Excellence in the Teaching of Economics Awards.

1. This award is open to current K – 12 teachers from any public, private or parochial school in Oregon.  Applicants must have taught at least one full term in the classroom during the current academic year.  Teachers may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
2. Teachers of all subjects are encouraged to apply for the award. Applicants must demonstrate how they integrate economics into their lessons for subject other than economics.
3. Previous winners are not eligible for the Oregon award.
4. Applicants who pursue the national award may be required to meet additional eligibility requirements.

1. Deadline
   1. Applications must be received by April 30th.
   2. Applicants will be notified of the results prior to the OCEE Annual Awards banquet.  The award will be presented to the winner at the annual awards dinner.
2. Selection Criteria
   1. Effectiveness:  Applicants should provide examples of effective methods used to teach economic and/or financial topics.
   2. Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to challenging and encouraging students to use economics not only in their education, but also in their lives beyond the classroom.
3. Application Materials
   1. Cover Letter describing your approach to promoting economics and financial education in the classroom.
   2. An example lesson, student reflections or other materials that demonstrate effective teaching methods related to economics that were used for instruction.  This could include materials related to the Stock Market Game or the Oregon Economics Challenge.
   3. A letter of recommendation from a teaching colleague, administrator, or former student.
   4. Please submit application materials by email as a PDF attachment to: contact@econoregon.org

Bekki Tucker, Caldera High School, Bend, OR

 Bekki, a Business CTE educator, specializes in teaching business economics and financial literacy with a focus on experiential learning. By implementing project-based approaches like the Stock Market Game and personal portfolio projects, she equips students with essential skills for short and long-term financial planning. Bekki's dedication extends beyond the classroom; she actively contributes to the development of personal finance standards and advocates for accessible financial education through legislative initiatives like Senate Bill 3 implementation. Recognized for her innovative methods, Bekki fosters practical application of economic principles through student-based enterprises and budgeting exercises, ensuring students are prepared for success both academically and in real-world financial scenarios. Collaborative by nature, Bekki invests time in curriculum development and mentorship, enriching the learning experiences of educators and students alike. Her commitment to professional growth, exemplified by her National Board Certification, underscores her passion for excellence in education.