Kourtney Ferrua, Wascher Elementary School Principal, has been named the 2019 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year by the Oregon Elementary Principals Association (OESPA) and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA).
"All of us at COSA are excited to recognize Kourtney’s efforts,” said Kate Barker, Cherry Park Elementary School Principal and OESPA President. “Kourtney is a dedicated principal who has excelled at leading student achievement efforts while maintaining a positive and vibrant culture. Our OESPA board has also had the pleasure of working with her during her time on the COSA Board and have seen firsthand how dedicated she is her students’ success.”

Kourtney Ferrua has served as principal of Wascher Elementary in McMinnville School District since July of 2013 and previously served as a teacher and instructional coach in the district. She has inspired staff with her “relentless belief that every student has an unlimited capacity to learn,” and has consistently produced impressive results by implementing research-based practices. Under her leadership, Wascher has transformed into one of the highest performing, high-poverty elementary schools in the state.

Ferrua’s methods have inspired a student-centered attitude throughout the school, including the establishment of a common language about instruction at Wascher in order to align instructional strategies to each individual student’s need. She has developed and sustained a school culture and climate at Wascher that is caring, welcoming, and equitable, ensuring that every student that walks through the doors of her school are known and valued.

“From visiting homes of students to pioneering a personalized summer reading program to inspiring her staff to build a learning environment that balances the hearts and minds of the students, Kourtney has consistently led her school to greater accomplishments,” said Dr. Maryalice Russell, superintendent of the McMinnville School District. “Her persistent advocacy for her students and her staff illustrates the power of high expectations that can result in high achievement.”

Ferrua a certified trainer in professional development in Power Strategies for Effective Teaching, Data Teams, and Constructing Meaning. She is currently engaged in intensive professional development focused on trauma-informed teaching and learning. She and a team of teacher-leaders were chosen to present at the 2018 National Model Schools Conference.

Ferrua will be honored at the 45th COSA Annual Conference in Seaside in June and the National Principals Conference in Washington in July.

About COSA and OESPA
The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) serves and represents more than 2,300 school administrators, managers and executives. COSA was founded in 1974 to give Oregon's education leaders a united voice in helping to shape public policy, advocate for schools and speak on behalf of students. In addition to advocacy, COSA supports and develops educational leaders with professional development opportunities -- including statewide conferences, regional seminars and workshops, and much more -- and an administrative licensure and advanced degree program. A member-driven umbrella organization, COSA is governed by an elected Board of Directors that represents the organization's four Departments: the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE), the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA), the Oregon Elementary School Principals Association (OESPA) and the Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators (OACOA). For more information, visit www.cosa.k12.or.us.
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