Thomas Beck

Renaissance High School, Bremerton WA

Thomas Allen Beck is an educator, an illustrator, a creative, and an engineer that believes knowledge should be at the forefront of human progress. He became an educator because he has always intentionally believed in a growth mindset. To learn about everything and embrace change in an ever-evolving world is the only way we can help our communities move forward. To fail with purpose is something that should be taught to our younger generations. Thomas currently teaches at Renaissance High School in Bremerton, WA. In addition to being a STEAM CTE teacher for his ALE, he coaches robotics and advocates for educational equity by teaching with the Microsoft TEALS program. Since he works in an alternative learning environment working with Clean Energy. Bright Futures will create an avenue of employability for his students in an underserved community. Educational equity is a pillar of his belief system, and he holds true to his teaching mantra – “Don’t preach, just teach!”

Bill Becker

Ronan Middle School, Ronan MT

Bill has been teaching on the Flathead Reservation at Ronan Middle School for the past 13 years after spending 8 in Las Vegas. He has 3 degrees from UNLV, all in various aspects of teaching and designing curriculums in mathematics.
After 21 years of teaching, Bill summarizes what he does into two main areas; as a math teacher and a student advocate. As a math teacher, his job is to connect new and challenging concepts to previously learned ideas as well as real world applications. As an advocate for these same students, Bill’s most important role is instilling confidence into these same youth that no goal is out of reach, and no obstacle is insurmountable. Bill wants his students to aim high, dream big, and not back down from whatever challenges stand between them and turning those dreams into reality.

Nora Harren

Campaign and Education Coordinator, 350 Deschutes, Bend OR

Nora Harren is the Campaign and Education Coordinator for 350 Deschutes and resides in Bend, Oregon. She studied Environmental Policy and Economics at Oregon State University and is passionate about protecting the environment and addressing climate change. Nora believes that educating others about clean energy and making sustainability concepts accessible to everyone are key steps toward building a sustainable future. Her work focuses on clean energy workforce development and education, reflecting her dedication to creating a more sustainable world.

Sarah Heacox-Jackson

South Eugene High School, Eugene OR

Sarah Heacox-Jackson is a high school math teacher in Eugene, Oregon. At work she is passionate about STEM, career readiness, reaching struggling students, and promoting mental health with students and coworkers. Outside of work she gets excited about swimming, camping, knitting, Nintendo games, and the Seattle Kraken. Her favorite place in nature is Suttle Lake. She is eager to use education as a force for climate justice.

Paula Richards

Hardin Middle School, Hardin MT

Paula is in her 15th year teaching and is excited to begin her third year teaching middle school science in Hardin, Montana. She is the Two Spirit Club Advisor and a co-advisor for HOPE Squad.

Paula with her life partner, Bill, has eight children, fifteen grandchildren, two Basset hounds; Dumbo and Scout, and an overly friendly bulldog terrier mix, Daisy. Daisy and Paula frequently take bike rides around the fairgrounds. Paula recently took up quilting and is thrilled to learn a new hobby.

Sarah Ruggiero-Kirby

Secondary Science Specialist (TOSA) and Outdoor School Coordinator, Eugene 4J School District, Eugene OR

Sarah Ruggiero-Kirby is the Secondary Science Specialist (TOSA) and Outdoor School Coordinator for Eugene 4J School District. She is a founding member of Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE), working on comprehensive, integrated K-12 climate education legislation across Oregon. She is President-Elect for Oregon Science Teacher Association (OSTA), serves on the Board of Directors for the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, is co-chair of the OEA Climate Caucus, and serves on the Leadership Team of Oregon Science Leaders (OSL). She has been teaching for 25 years in middle and high school science classes, 12 of which were spent teaching in a Natural Resource Management CTE program at Churchill High School, with a strong focus on hydrology, forestry, sustainability, renewable energy and climate resilience.