Keri Pilgrim Ricker

Keri Pilgrim Ricker, a health occupations teacher at Eugene's Churchill High, was named Oregon's Teacher of the Year Tuesday in recognition of her teaching rooted in real-world lessons that hold students' interest and prepare them for health careers.

Ricker, who has a background in biology, ecology, chemistry and animal science, teaches courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and trends in health care. As the head of Churchill High's health careers program, she networks with healthcare professionals, non-profit organizations, and colleges to keep courses aligned to what students most need to know in the field.

As teacher of the year, Pilgrim Ricker will spend the next year serving as an ambassador on behalf of all Oregon teachers.

"The relevance and rigor of content demonstrated in Keri's classroom is a model of excellence," sate schools chief Colt Gill said in a statement Tuesday. "I look forward to Keri spreading that message across the state."

Pilgrim Ricker, who worked as a veterinary technician before becoming a teacher 10 years ago, is also an avid ballroom dancer and roots for The Timbers, according to her school biography. During college, she was a varsity equestrian.

She wrote in her application that creating space in her classroom for students to speak out about what matters to them matters to her. "We must model civil discourse and provide students an opportunity for practice so they can navigate the workplace and the world responsibly and with empathy."

-- Betsy Hammond