SUTHELRIN — Jennifer Bracken said she likes teaching because she enjoys watching students learn new things and enjoys being at school.
“I just love watching kids learn new things and seeing them grasp new concepts and just enjoy being at school. And that’s why I want them to love school, especially at this age,” the kindergarten teacher at Sutherlin East Primary school said. “They’re just our little sponges and just absorb everything.”
On Sept. 12, she was recognized by the Oregon Lottery as the Regional Teacher of the Year in the Douglas Education Service District.
“Actually, my mom got my into teaching,” Bracken said. “She went back to be a teacher when I was in high school, and so I watched her work really hard for that. I always had an idea that I wanted to be a teacher.”
Her mother, who died four weeks ago, knew of the award prior to her passing and was very proud of Bracken, she said. Her mother taught third and sixth grades in California, which Bracken said is not her niche.
“I’ve taught up to eighth grade, but K-2 is where my heart is,” Bracken said.
Bracken said she began teaching in California, before moving to Oregon about 12 years ago. She has been teaching at Sutherlin for 12 years, and before that was based in Roseburg at St. Paul Lutheran School.
She said she has amazing coworkers and is very thankful for the team at Sutherlin, who helps her grow and is willing to step in and help if needed.
"With the death of my mom, I missed the first week of kindergarten, but with my team, I didn’t worry about it at all,” Bracken said. “They had it all taken care of. I was able to come right back, and my lesson plans were done. I knew that I had support.”
She’s excited to stay in kindergarten for this year and the foreseeable future, as the school stopped looping teachers through the grades.
A press release from the Oregon Department of Education said the 16 regional teachers for the 2025-26 year will be considered a semi-finalist for the honor of Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced next month. Bracken said this is one of the few reasons she knew prior to the assembly that she had received the award.
“I appreciate the Oregon lottery for supporting teachers. I mean, it’s nice to be recognized for all of our hard work,” Bracken said. “So many teachers were deserving of this as well, but I was recognized.”
The recognition ceremony on Sept. 12 was held during a short assembly at Sutherlin East Primary School. Oregon Lottery Regional Manager Evan Kieling gave a brief speech explaining why Bracken was awarded the recognition. Bracken’s family, including her father, children, and husband, were present for the assembly.
Bracken said the competition for regional teacher had included an application process after she was nominated. The department then contacted her over the summer to initiate another interview and request a few essays for the next stage of the competition.
When nominating Bracken, Sutherlin East Primary School Principal Reina Pike said, “She fosters an environment of care, creativity, and inclusivity, making her an outstanding role model for both her colleagues and her students. Jennifer builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students. She sees each child as an individual, celebrating their strengths and understanding their unique needs.”
Bracken said she wants to give each student — regardless of background, ability, or prior knowledge — a place to feel inspired, capable, and excited to learn.
Gloria Coleman is a reporter for The News-Review. She can be reached at gcoleman@nrtoday.com or 541-672-3321 ext. 7208.