We are small group of parents and educators who want to make the lives of teachers a little bit easier.

ABOUT US

What we do …

Admire Teachers supports K-5 Title 1 students in the Portland, OR by helping their teachers get the things they need to more effective educators. We provide support for projects, supplies and experiences that will enrich learning opportunities for students and are proposed by teachers, approved by the principal and beyond the school budgets.

How we do it …

Too frequently the great ideas that teachers have never come to fruition due to financial barriers. If this idea will expand or enhance learning opportunities for their students, then they are eligible for support from Admire Teachers. Whether it’s $50 for glue guns or $350 for a field trip, we want to help.

Why we do it …

All children deserve access to a quality education and the resources that ensure that. Teachers know what their students need and Admire Teachers believes in the power of teachers. In partnership with parents, teachers can have a profound influence on the direction a student’s life takes. Our mission is simply to help teachers be the best educators they can be.

Who We Are

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.

What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.

MEETOUR TEAM

  • Renee’s teaching career began in 1974 in Compton, CA and was followed by teaching positions in Liberia, West Africa for the Peace Corps and later at Berkeley High. She later became the Director of the Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program at San Francisco State University, a program she brought to Portland Public Schools in 1985. In 2000 she returned to the classroom and taught mathematics at Grant High school until she retired in 2012. She presently serves on the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) and the Oregon Alliance for Black School Educators (ORABSE) boards.

  • Eric is the child of public school educators. They and the unending generosity of his in-laws are the inspiration behind Admire Teachers. He remembers watching his parents buy things for their students out of their own pockets even when money was tight. He has had several careers from the music business to photojournalism to nonprofit management and filmmaking. He was also a stay at home dad for several years. He served as the board treasurer of The Emerson School for three years. Currently, he is a Court Appointed Special Advocate and he recently joined the board of Artichoke Community Music.

  • Alejandra Nava is the Dual Language Program Coordinator for the Reynolds School District, bringing extensive experience in linguistic equity and workforce development from her previous leadership at MESD. A dedicated advocate for social justice, she has specialized in building diverse educator pathways and inclusive learning environments. She is honored to join the board and contribute her expertise in educator wellness and models of support.

  • Rachel is an infectious disease physician and mom to two high school girls. Growing up, she watched her mom teach ceramics in the basement of their San Francisco home to kids after school. She has fond memories of helping her fourth-grade teacher grade papers after school and credits her chorus director for teaching her the discipline and focus she drew upon to complete many years of medical training. She has worked at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center since 2008.

  • Eric is the child of public school educators. They and the unending generosity of his in-laws are the inspiration behind Admire Teachers. He remembers watching his parents buy things for their students out of their own pockets even when money was tight. He has had several careers from the music business to photojournalism to nonprofit management and filmmaking. He was also a stay at home dad for several years. He served as the board treasurer of The Emerson School for three years. Currently, he is a Court Appointed Special Advocate and he recently joined the board of Artichoke Community Music.