Jamie Denton, 9th Grade Language Arts Teacher at Health & Science High School in Beaverton, Oregon
Nominated by Danielle Corbin-Frias (parent)
Mr. Denton treats children as equals. He is willing to make himself vulnerable to relate to them. Many families in the school are limited on food. Mr. Denton feels that no child should be hungry. He brings a supply of food for children who do not have breakfast or lunch to take from. He restocked it weekly. He also provides school supplies for children that can't afford it so they don't feel inadequate to their peers. He's one of the first teachers there in the morning and one of the last to leave. If he sees a group of children sitting outside a lot classroom door he will sit on the floor with them and ask them how they're doing. He takes the time to get to know all children in the school, not just his students. He's not only educate our children (the next generation)academically, but also sets an example of how we can function positively as a community family, treating each other with respect even though we come from different places and beliefs. I first saw Mr. Denton on a Friday evening while picking up my son. He was carrying a large box of food, in the rain, with a big smile on his face into the school to replenish the supply. That is when my son first told me all the things Mr. Denton does for the children. My son has a very black-and-white personality and has never responded to the subject of humanities. Mr. Denton has touched him and his classmates. These are just a few of the examples of why Mr. Denton should be elected as educator of the week.
Get to know Jamie Denton!
What inspired you to become an educator?
Part of the inspiration stems from teachers I have had in my past. Teachers that have believed in me, looked out for me, taught me things that fundamentally changed the way I see myself, the world, and my place in it. Part of it came form the hope, potential and brilliance of youth.
What do you like most about teaching?
That teaching is a human profession. Each day I get to interact, learn, and grow with hundreds of unique individuals. The fact that no matter how well you plan and think ahead, teaching is really about adapting to the unique needs of others. Just like people are unique, so is each day I am with my students, which is pretty special. I also love the reciprocal nature off teaching; how challenging students to be their best selves brings out the best in me.
What has changed the most since you began your career in education?
The belief that eventually you will figure it all out. You will never figure it all out.
What would you like parents to know about your job?
How appreciative I am for the person they have been in their child's life. How lucky I am to teach their children. Just how much I love my job.
Share a favorite story about your years in education.
There are plenty of funny ones, and sad ones, but my favorite stories involve people making connections.
Each week during the school year, K103 and Concordia University will honor a local educator. Each week, our honored educator receives:
- $103 Gift Card for Classroom School Supplies
- The Crystal Apple Award
- A Concordia University Continuing Education Scholarship