SALEM, Ore. – Charlie Jett, Principal of Two Rivers Dos Rios Elementary School in the Springfield School District, has been named Oregon’s 2022 National Distinguished Principal, also known as Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year.  Jett was selected by his peers in the Oregon Elementary School Principals Association (OESPA).

Jett is completing his fifth year as Two Rivers Dos Rios principal. “Charlie Jett exemplifies dedication to student support. Whether it is creating a video production to support school PBIS goals, building out robust professional development for staff, or his exceptional color-coded organizational skills, we as a district and Springfield as a community are grateful for his devotion,” Springfield Superintendent Todd Hamilton said.  “Mr. Jett has built a culture and climate throughout his building that exemplifies our district’s values of creating welcoming learning spaces for all by drawing upon the assets of each individual.”

During his tenure, Jett has focused on developing school and community culture, and also implementing instructional systems of support for students.  “Charlie is committed to cultivating school communities that are a compelling place of shared ownership for students, families and staff,” Assistant Principal Josh Donaldson wrote in his nomination letter.  “Charlie demonstrates his commitment through weekly family communications in both English and Spanish, weekly staff communications that many times harness the power of video, and an open-door policy for all stakeholders.  Additionally, under Charlie’s leadership, others are continually empowered as professionals who are encouraged to step up and lead.”

“Charlie is committed to creating Two Rivers Dos Rios Elementary as a ‘Beacon School,’ in which parents want their children to attend,” School Psychologist and PBIS Coach Moira McKenna wrote in her nomination letter.  “His targeted and unyielding focus has been toward instructional systems of support for all students.”  That focus has resulted in creation of school structures that inform revision of core math and reading programs to better meet the learning needs of students, as well as regular staff “professional learning community” meetings to review student data and tailor support to improve outcomes for students.

“Based on Charlie Jett's numerous contributions to his school and his larger community, and the manner in which he models being a continual learner, supports systems for student success, develops community, and empowers others, he is the ideal recipient of the Principal of the Year Award!,” OESPA President-Elect Barb Keeton said.

Jett will be honored at the COSA Annual Conference in Seaside in June, at the NAESP Annual Conference in Louisville in July, and at the Oregon Principals Conference in Eugene in October.  

About COSA and OESPA

The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) serves and represents more than 2,500 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 learning opportunities -- including statewide conferences, regional seminars and workshops, and much more -- and a number of exclusive member services. COSA also provides the state’s largest 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 five organizations: the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE), the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA), the Oregon Elementary School Principals Association (OESPA), the Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators (OACOA), and the COSA Equity Board.  For more information, visit www.cosa.k12.or.us.

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