Siletz, OR – The Oregon Small Schools Association (OSSA) is proud to announce that Mr. Patrick Clarke has been named its 2025 OSSA Teacher of the Year. Patrick serves in a tribal community part of the Siletz Valley Schools, located in Siletz Oregon, in Lincoln County.

Ms. Ginger Redlinger Superintendent of Siletz Valley Schools wrote: “Patrick Clarke has taken his experiences as an army cook and turned them into culinary school, and then decided to create his own food programs that were focused on building kids’ appreciation for food as a community gift. Patrick has a vision. He sees the community around him. The needs that children through elders have for food. The time that parents need to spend with their children supported by good food the gift of food for a community to gather around and share and grow. From a simple food service kitchen, he has built a program that teaches middle and high school students how to grow harvest prepare and serve a variety of foods. Because Siletz is a tribal community. He has also earned the respect of tribes to participate in ceremonial meals and to be honored to learn and share his knowledge about how to prepare things for ceremonies. He has also adapted students understanding of how different communities approach food in the history of their food that is meaningful for not only the act of gathering, but the family and community practice of preparing and eating together. These are rare opportunities for most people and Patrick has insured that all students in our school tribal, or non-tribal appreciate the culture and the food of the community.”

Superintendent Redlinger added that Patrick “understands the value of school of community of food of caring for children of caring for our natural resources and loving each other. I can’t think of anyone more worthy for Oregon Small Schools Teacher of the Year.”

OSSA recognizes one teacher each year who excels in his/her leadership position. Criteria include integrity, leadership, commitment to community, scholarship and student achievement. The OSSA Board of Directors is very happy to honor Mr. Patrick Clarke this year celebrating all that he has accomplished.
Clarke will receive his OSSA 2025 Teacher of the Year award at the OSSA spring Conference on April 18th, 2025 at the Salishan Resort.

OSSA recognizes one school administrator each year who excels in his/her teaching assignment. Criteria include integrity, leadership, commitment to community, scholarship and student achievement. OSSA serves as an advocate for the benefits of rural education and small schools across the state. For more information, visit the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators website click the link to the Oregon Small Schools Association@ www.oregonssa.org. or Michael Carter, OSSA Executive Director@ carter.michael@lakeview.k12.or.us or call 541-947-3347.

Contact: 
Michael Carter, OSSA Executive Director
541-947-3347 or carter.michael@lakeview.k12.or.us