2012 - Regional Teacher of the Year - John Hagney

John has taught social studies and humanities at Lewis & Clark for the past 30 years where he focuses on creating scholars. He believes passionately in every child’s inherent intelligence – a revelation that came to him in 9th grade, the first time a teacher told him he was gifted.



John works tirelessly to connect his students to the real world implications of what they are studying. His groundbreaking Practicum in Community Involvement course, now in its 20th year, partners a year-long academic course in service learning with significant research and a community-based internship. Although the fact that students can earn college credit for the course is a great incentive, it’s the experience itself that resonates most. Parents and students reflect that John’s course and guidance inspired them, opened a world of possibilities and solidified a life-long commitment to service.



John is constantly looking for ways to expand the classroom for all students and is currently working on a modified version of PICI where struggling students are mentored by staff at City Hall.



John is also a firm believer in the capabilities of our teachers and an advocate for inspiring our best and brightest young people to consider teaching. Why wait for Superman, he asks, when our country is full of potential Clark Kents if only we commit to investing in them and our kids.