Oregon Public Broadcasting

Recently U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said the schools that prepare teachers to enter the classroom are doing a "mediocre job."

Despite this indictment, many teachers are rising to the challenge of educating students in innovative and effective ways.

Tuesday Oregon recognized one of its best – a teacher at Eugene's new Camas Ridge Community School. KLCC's Jes Burns has more.

A Tuesday morning assembly is a noisy affair at an elementary school. But the kids were all ears when Oregon Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo made an announcement.

"Join me in welcoming up to the stage, the 2009-2010 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Camas Ridge Community School's own Donna DuBois."

Donna DuBois is a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Camas Ridge, where she is known for her enthusiasm for science.

"It's seeing that light go on when the child is excited about learning, when they get a concept or they are excited to be at school."

DuBois started the "Light it Forward" campaign. It teaches students about sustainability while encouraging them to engage with members of their community in distributing compact-florescent bulbs.

DuBois will travel to Washington, DC for the National Teacher of the Year forum to meet with Arne Duncan and President Obama.