Oregon Council of Teachers of English Names Ruch’s Kim Neiswanger for Statewide Teaching Honor

Kim Neiswanger, an educator at Ruch Outdoor Community School, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Oregon Excellence in Teaching English Language Arts Award by the Oregon Council of Teachers of English (OCTE). This prestigious honor recognizes educators who demonstrate outstanding dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching English Language Arts.

Ms. Neiswanger was nominated by Dr. Margaret Perrow, a professor at Southern Oregon University, who praised her for her “dedication, compassion, and innovation,” highlighting her leadership across various professional development platforms and her project-based literacy instruction that has been recognized statewide.

“Kim represents the heart of what we strive for at Ruch: education that is rooted in relationships and initiative,” said Ryan King, Principal of Ruch Outdoor Community School. “She inspires her students and colleagues to express their most authentic self in a variety of ways.”

Neiswanger has shared her expertise at numerous professional gatherings, including OCTE conferences, Southern Oregon University panels, the Holistic Teaching and Learning Conference, and Literary Ashland. Her work was also spotlighted in a WestEd and Oregon Department of Education webinar, supporting the state’s new Early Literacy Framework.  Additionally, she served on the Teton Science Schools Network which includes rural schools across the United States and Canada, all of whom are deeply committed to place-based education.

Kim Neiswanger’s recognition will be featured in the upcoming Chalkboard publication and on the OCTE website.

About Ruch Outdoor Community School
Nestled in the Applegate Valley, Ruch Outdoor Community School is one of Medford School District’s Schools of Choice, offering a unique, nature-based curriculum that fosters academic achievement through hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and strong community partnerships.