Teachers who are making a difference The past year — the year of the COVID-19 pandemic — has taught us a lot. One of the many important things we've learned is the importance of educators in our lives and the lives of our children. With in-person learning in Oregon shuttered since March due to pandemic restrictions, our state's educators have had to step up in unprecedented fashion, finding new ways to connect with students, new ways to communicate with parents — effectively reinventing the world of education in the era of distance learning. As a way to express our thanks, the Pamplin Media Group is proud to share its first Amazing Educators special section. This inaugural section honors 25 local educators who work at all levels from kindergarten and first-grade instructors all the way through high school, and in public schools, private schools and charter schools alike. We hope that by sharing their stories that we can honor all educators for their commitment and dedication to serving our children.