May 26, 2017

Alumnus named OnPoint Educator of the Year

David Valenzuela, MAT ’14, has been named OnPoint’s 9-12 Educator of the Year! Educators of the Year will each have their mortgage paid for one school year. Additionally, their schools each received a $2,500 donation for resources and supplies.

David Valenzuela, MAT ’14, has been named OnPoint’s 9-12 Educator of the Year! Educators of the Year will each have their mortgage paid for one school year. Additionally, their schools each received a $2,500 donation for resources and supplies.

David teaches Biomedical Sciences at Madison High School in Portland, with a goal of “encouraging my students to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.”

David is recognized for his excellence in teaching and leadership, with OnPoint noting the following achievements in his award announcement:

  • Guiding colleagues and students as the Chair of Madison HS Science Department, and advisor of the Hispanic Club, American Red Cross Club and Health Occupation Students of America club advisor
  • Honored to welcome Governor Kate Brown and Representative Earl Blumenauer for a classroom visit
  • M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Foundation Partner in Science Fellow
  • Brought grants and research facility partnerships to bear, offering students hands-on experience

“As a teacher, there is nothing that excites me more than empowering our biomedical students to explore complex topics such as how to prevent and fight novel infections, screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, prevent and conquer cancer, and develop solutions to prevail when organs fail,” says David. “Our students are conducting cutting edge graduate level research while in high school. This raises their academic achievement, and sets them up to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education honors and celebrates effective and innovative teaching methods that spark enthusiasm and passion in students, parents, and their peers. Anyone — including teachers themselves — can nominate a teacher. The OnPoint Prize is awarded at the end of each school year to the teachers who best meet these criteria:

  • Teachers who inspire creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom
  • Educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching methods and style
  • Individuals who have significant impact on students, parents and peers