Originally trained as a teacher in Myanmar, EPOL Alum Thu Ta earned a master’s degree at the University of Oregon and later settled near the Thai-Myanmar border. There, he partnered with Dr. May Cho Cho Myint to train teachers to better support children affected by war and disrupted education.
Congratulations to College of Education alumna and DEd graduate Alisha McBride on being named Oregon’s 2027 Superintendent of the Year. Her decade of leadership, unwavering commitment to students and communities, and service in both state and national education leadership roles continue to make a meaningful impact across Oregon.
Brandie Chavez, MEd '25 (curriculum and teaching), a doctoral student in educational leadership and recipient of UO's Division of Graduate Studies Future Steward award, brings a related focus on the role of education in sustaining Indigenous knowledge and community values.
Willamette High School teacher Nate Jackson, UOTeach ’22, has been named an Oregon Lottery Regional Teacher of the Year. Since 2019, he has inspired students through American Studies and Black Studies, supported the school’s Black Student Union, and expanded opportunities for students to explore history, culture, and future possibilities.
As schools across Eugene and Springfield welcome new leadership for the 2026-27 school year, we're proud to see 11 University of Oregon College of Education alumni among the 25 principals, assistant principals, and district leaders stepping into new roles.
Congratulations to QRME doctoral student Havisha Khurana who was awarded a grant from EdFund to pursue her study of Oregon's Capped Special Education Funding Policy. Havisha's proposal was selected amongst competitive fields that included both senior academics and policy research teams. This study aims to inform the 2027 Oregon legislative session’s debate on funding caps and offer insights for other states managing special education costs.
UOTeach alum Lanelle Love was hired by Bethel School District shortly after completing the licensure program last year. Now in just her second year of teaching, she is already earning recognition for her exceptional work with students in the district’s summer literacy program.
Congratulations to Alum Sage Hatch, PhD, who was selected as a 2026 National Academy of Education (NAEd)/Spencer Research Fellow. Sage who was born and raised in Siletz, Oregon, holds a Master’s of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Curriculum from the COE's Sapsik’ʷałá program in partnership with UOTeach and a PhD in Critical and Sociocultural Studies in Education (CSSE). Dr. Hatch is now a Research Fellow here at the University of Oregon.
Dr. Brian Megert, currently the director of special programs at Springfield Public Schools, will be the district’s new assistant superintendent. Brian received a doctorate of education, a master’s in special education, and bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Oregon.
Jenn Mills, a special education instructor for Tualatin High School, changes lives with Unified, an inclusive program affiliated with the Special Olympics. Jennifer earned an undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree in special education from the COE. She worked at Churchill High School in Eugene before returning to her hometown.
