K103 and Concordia University are pleased to honor and support outstanding educators making a difference in the lives of students in their schools each month. Congratulations to this month’s honored educator, Jon Archer, Health & Leadership and Link Crew Co-Coordinator at David Douglas High School.
All of us at K103 and Concordia University are deeply honored to bestow the K103 Honor Roll award to Jon Archer and David Douglas High School.
Congratulations to all of the esteemed educators who are now on the K103 Honor Roll and thanks to our partners at Concordia University and Jersey Mike’s for participating in this worthwhile program!
How many years have you been teaching?
I've been teaching for 10 years. This has included work in private school, public school, credit recovery, Ninth Grade Counts, as well as grades 6 through 12. The last four years I've been fortunate to work in the David Douglas School District.
Please explain what Link Crew is all about.
Link Crew is a program in which juniors and seniors run our freshmen orientation, and support freshmen with the transition from middle school to high school, as well as throughout their first year of high school. This includes fun activities and events for freshmen, weekly connections in Advisory classes, and academic supports like lessons about being successful and study sessions.
Why did you choose this career and why High School?
I had amazing experiences as a PreK-12th student in the David Douglas School District. I found a love for learning and for helping others. My favorite grades to teach are 8th and 9th because students are really starting to make their learning their own, and figure out how to be successful. I've also loved the opportunity to teach juniors and seniors in Link Crew. They have great ideas about our school and our world. The continually impress me. It's been a really powerful experience to work at the high school I attended.
Most teachers tell us that they actually learn a lot from their students. What are the biggest lessons your students have taught you?
Students in high school are amazing! So often I am blown away by their thoughtfulness, their compassion, their selflessness, and their desire for justice.
I think the biggest lesson my students have taught me is that relationships are the most important part of this work. When people find out I'm a high school teacher, they often ask me what I teach. I reply with, "I teach students". Even though I cover health content or leadership content, I am working with other people, and that's the foundation of what I do.
What do you love most about this career?
East Portland is an area that has been neglected for decades. There are a lot of challenges our students face. In the midst of all of it, our students are so resilient. They have powerful stories, and it gives me such great hope for what they can accomplish. The thing I love the most is that I get to be a small part of that.
Anything else you want to say about the school and your students?
David Douglas is a great place. I have the honor of working with amazing colleagues, I have the privilege of working with great students, and I have the joy of making an impact in my own community.
The K103 Honor Roll is powered by Concordia University. K103 and Concordia University thank all the amazing educators who make our schools great! Each month during the school year, K103 will honor a local educator with a spot on the K103 Honor Roll. Each honored educator receives:
- $500 Gift Card from Concordia University for school supplies
- Concordia University Continuing Education Scholarship
- Engraved Commemorative Plaque + Etched glass award
- Catered lunch for the teacher's lounge from Jersey Mike's
- Inschool visit and awards presentation from the K103 Morning Show
CLICK HERE to nominate your favorite educator!
