Editor’s Note: Due to deadline pressure, BWNA ran only a brief article about Bryan Butcher’s award in its November-December 2024 newsletter. We felt his story was deserving of more from us, so here it is. And you’ll see from the writer’s bio that education is near and dear to his heart.
Last October, Beaumont Middle School math teacher Bryan Butcher was named Oregon’s Teacher of the Year, an honor he describes as both surprising and humbling. At the time of this interview, the coveted award had been under Butcher’s belt for several months, but his feelings about it were still fresh in his mind.
“I was surprised and overwhelmed in the moment,” Butcher said. “To be recognized is such a great honor. I love teaching. I love working with my colleagues. And I love working with my students. This award isn’t just about me — it shines a light on our school and the incredible work we do here.”
Beaumont Middle School, located in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, is a cornerstone of the community, and Butcher’s recognition highlights the dedication of its educators.
Butcher’s journey into teaching was not a traditional one. A graduate of Morehouse College, he majored in sociology since the school did not offer an education major. To pursue teaching, he applied for and was accepted to the Teach for America program, which gave him the opportunity to enter the classroom.
Math can be intimidating, but I try to create a classroom where making mistakes is part of learning.
After teaching in New York, he returned home to Portland, where he had grown up attending Boise-Eliot Elementary School, Beverly Cleary Middle School, and Grant High School.
His passion for education was shaped by his family and his teachers.
“My mom is a community health organizer, and my dad was a coach,” he said. “Growing up, I saw how much they poured into people, and that shaped how I approach teaching.”
He recalls his seventh-grade teacher, Ms. Arrington, as someone who taught him the value of studying and the process of learning. His high school coach, Mr. Lewis, encouraged him to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and pushed him toward Morehouse College, forever changing his path.
At Beaumont Middle School, Butcher has made it a priority to foster a sense of belonging among students. He founded the Black Student Union, giving students a space to connect and build community.
“My main goal is to make sure students feel loved. Even something as small as using a nickname shows them I recognize and appreciate them.”
As a passionate math teacher, Butcher works to reduce math anxiety by creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks.
“Math can be intimidating, but I try to create a classroom where making mistakes is part of learning,” he said. “I accept late work, encourage students to catch my mistakes, and remind them that feedback helps us grow.”
Though teaching comes with challenges, Butcher remains committed to his students.
“My first year, I wanted to quit,” he admitted. “But middle schoolers are resilient — they come back every day, and that reminds me to do the same.”
For him, the greatest reward is seeing his students grow in confidence and knowing they feel seen, valued, and capable.
Amaan has lived in B-W since 2019. He enjoys playing the piano, traveling, cooking, and doing yoga — not all at the same time. He is an educator and works in higher ed.