〰️ OSTA's Mission 〰️
Seamless Education by Professional Oregon Substitute Teachers
OSTA connects, advocates, educates, promotes, and supports the Oregon substitute teacher community and nurtures substitutes to achieve the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics. With consistency, and substance we promote the welfare and education of every Oregon student, and Oregon teachers through the active cultivation of connectedness throughout the state. Founded in significant experience, backed by contemporary academic research, factual data, and objective information OSTA advocates in government, districts, and the broader community to effect positive change in the profession and Oregon education culture.
Do you ever feel that people don’t understand what being a substitute teacher really means? Sharing your experiences and improve support for substitutes. Email us at ostasubs@hotmail.com. Join us at Office Hours to provide it.
4:30 pm every Thursday all year round.
Stay healthy and whole for Oregon students.
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2025-2026 Substitute Teacher of the YEAR
100 Nominees....... 1 Amazing Winner
100 Nominees....... 1 Amazing Winner
We shine the brightest working together!
The 2025 Oregon Substitute teacher of the year
Hector cobb
Honored by 25 year coordinator of the Substitute Teacher of the Year recognition commitee, Sally Sue.
how does OSTA support substitutes?
Sacred Office Hours for camaraderie and practical advice
Legislative work in Salem
Training, PDU’s and Substitute Teacher of the Year Recognition
OSTA is your professional organization. Most substitute teachers aren’t unionized.
Get active with osta!
Links to Newsletters: Edition 1 , Edition 2, EDITION 3
Print an Osta flyer to hang up in school staff rooms
Renew to get a member’s only passcode for more surveys and polls
2025 Board Members President: Leslie Polson Vice President: Jon Deshler Secretary vacant Treasurer vacant (Bruce Beebe Temp) Substitute Teacher of the Year vacant At Large: Jay Hoey (resigned), Steve Frank, Katie Darke, Karen Sims, Von Christensen, Dillon Daniel-Hoffman Membership Kimberly Mandel, Government Affairs: Ross Swartzendruber
The Oregon Substitute Teachers Association is the only professional organization working exclusively on behalf of licensed Oregon substitutes
OSTA is open to all licensed substitute teachers in Oregon. We invite you to join us today!
Walter Ricks
Substitute Teacher of the year 2007
~ Rest in Peace ~
Walter Ricks, 4/5/1933-12/23/2024
A valued friend and OSTA member
Written to honor his achievement in 2007; insight into who he was and what he stood for throughout his life
Walter Ricks, a Lincoln and Tillamook County substitute teacher whose students call him “Abuelito” (Little Grandfather) was selected as OSTA’s outstanding substitute teacher for 2007. He was recognized at the Legislature on Oregon Substitute Teacher Day May 9 and at the Lincoln County School Board May 8.
Teachers, administrators, secretaries, and students all love him. Some even say the schools could not run without him. One student told him, “Mr. Ricks, if I were a magic person I would make you live forever.” How does he engender such affection? By taking the hardest jobs and sticking up for students who need extra encouragement. He even takes pies in the face on the last day of school—all for fun.
Walt Ricks started teaching in 1959 in a three teacher elementary school in California’s high Sierras, moving to Trinidad, CA the next year for 18 years, teaching a few years in each of eight grades. For twelve years, he assumed the vice principal’s duties which included Acting Principal and Superintendent when his boss had a fatal heart attack.
For 15 years, he left teaching and became a business owner of a pet shop. During that time, he served eight years on the school board. In 1994, when Walt and his wife Dixie moved to Otis, OR, he volunteered to guide a Hispanic student through the eighth grade. Since then he has been a substitute teacher in grades 8-12 and all subjects in Lincoln City and Nestucca Valley. He connects with students by volunteering on the chain gang for Taft High School football games. In extra time, he tends to chickens and building projects on their two acres.
Walt uses his experience as an administrator to save the day when other teachers are having a difficult time with students and no administrator is available. All agree that when he is in the school, learning continues and problems are quickly solved. He well deserves the honor of Oregon Substitute Teacher of the Year!
