Leah Ferguson Honored as Oregon ACTE New Teacher of The Year
Group Photo of TDHS CTE Team: Charles Webber: Computer Sciences & Information Technology Chelsea Beckner: Health Sciences Lynn Helyer (back): Welding & Fabrication Leah Feguson: Graphic Arts Shawn Manciu (back): Construction Taylor Alsheimer: Automotive/Mechanics Not Pictured: Crystal Haggard, Culinary
The Dalles, Ore. February 21, 2025 – North Wasco County School District is proud to announce that Leah Ferguson has been named the recipient of the Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year award.
This recognition celebrates Ferguson’s outstanding contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE) as well as highlights her dedication to student success at The Dalles High School.
Leah joined the TDHS team in 2022 to lead the graphic arts program, and in just a short period, she has expanded the program in all directions. Under her watch, the program now offers a more diverse set of courses. On top of that, she shows incredible flexibility in allowing students at different levels of proficiency to thrive while in the same class period. Her commitment to hands-on learning has created an engaging and supportive environment and has drawn attention from students, staff, and the community.
Beyond the classroom, Leah’s impact is equally notable. "Because of her, the Haunted House is here—that’s her graphics art club that puts it on. There are hundreds of kids that come through this building now because of that haunted house, it's really a community event that is now kind of a staple," said TDHS Principal Kurt Evans. She’s also had her hand in connecting her students with opportunities to showcase their work in the community, such as designing the iconic annual Cherry Fest poster, and designing the ‘Hawk House’ food truck.
Leah’s contributions have also extended beyond her niche in graphic arts. When she first started teaching, she took the initiative to bring an esports club to the school, securing funding and building a permanent lab so the program could thrive. She also volunteered to co-lead the Sources of Strength program, which now has 40 students signed up; she serves as a class advisor; runs the yearbook; spearheads many spirit week activities; and "If you walk down to her classroom during our duty-free lunch, it’s packed with, like, 50 kids," said Principal Evans.
Above all, Leah is known for her deep connection with students. "I was talking to our counselors, and they will have students come up to request class changes just so they can be in her class. Sometimes they just request ‘introduction to whatever’ with Leah, they just want to be in her class—students definitely feel they have a place and purpose with her," Evans added.
“I personally rarely make these sorts of nominations because I see it as a very high bar, but I cannot think of a more fitting candidate for the CTE New Teacher of the Year award,” Evans emphasized.
The ACTE Awards program recognizes educators who make significant contributions to the field of career and technical education. By celebrating individuals like Ferguson, ACTE aims to inspire and motivate educators to continue their invaluable work in equipping students with essential career skills.
As the New Teacher of the Year, Ferguson joins a distinguished group of educators who have demonstrated excellence in CTE and a deep commitment to student success. Her recognition reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication she brings to her classroom, and her students every day.
North Wasco County School District congratulates Leah Ferguson on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her continued contributions to the field of CTE.
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