A teacher at Gladiola High School in Grants Pass who incorporates hip-hop and poetry into his lessons to inspire and engage his students was named Southern Oregon’s Regional Teacher of the Year on Friday.

Kellen Akiyama, who teaches English language arts and African American studies at the alternative school, is also in the running for the top prize as the state’s Teacher of the Year, according to a release issued by the Oregon Lottery. The lottery and Oregon Department of Education officials were slated to surprise Akiyama with the award while he was teaching Friday afternoon.

A peer who nominated Akiyama for the award described him as “an exceptional advocate for his community, especially the youth of color,” according to the release.

The peer said Akiyama uses art, hip-hop and spoken word poetry in his social studies curriculum “so students can relate to their learning better and explore different ways to show their understanding through various mediums.”

The award is a partnership with the state lottery and state Department of Education. Akiyama was awarded through a local nomination process that involved testimonials and letters of support from students, colleagues, administrators, friends and family. Regional representatives made their selections on factors that included candidates’ leadership, expertise, community involvement and understanding of educational issues.

Charlene Williams, director of the state education department, praised Akiyama for his award.

“Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well, Williams said in the release. 

He is among 18 Regional Teachers of the Year, all of whom will be announced by Sept. 20. The state Teacher of the Year will be announced next month. Regional Teachers of the Year win a $1,000 cash prize; the statewide Teacher of the Year will win a $10,000 cash prize with another $5,000 prize for their school.

Anyone interested in nominating a teacher for next year should visit oregonteacheroftheyear.org.