Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
TechStart believes in the importance of K-12 tech education and provides cash awards to both K-12 technology teachers and students in Oregon and SW Washington including areas from Vancouver, Camas, and up to Longview Washington.
K-12 Technology Teacher of the Year Cash Awards
Please help recognize great K-12 tech teachers who work in a private or public school in Oregon or SW Washington. TechStart annually awards three outstanding K-12 Oregon and SW Washington teachers with a cash award of $1,000 for their classroom to spend on tech education materials including hardware, software, services, or curriculum. If you know a tech educator who deserves recognition, please nominate them. TechStart will be honoring three tech teachers with Technology Teacher of the Year Awards (TOTY), to be presented at the 42nd Annual Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) Oregon Technology Awards:
K-8 Technology Teacher of the Year
High School Technology Teacher of the Year
Technology Teacher Rising Star – Any Grade Level (K-12)
Get involved today by nominating a tech teacher (including yourself) for this cash award. Click here to see criteria you should consider to nominate a great teacher. Once a teacher is nominated, they complete a more detailed Application Form. Click here to access the form to nominate a deserving teacher.
Computer Science Student of the Year Cash Awards:
TechStart provides a computer science Student of the Year award to high school juniors and seniors. A $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a young man or young woman that can be applied to educational expenses and associated costs. We encourage teachers to nominate a student for this award. Click here to access the form to nominate a deserving student for the award. Once nominated, the student completes a more detailed application form.
TechStart 2026 Nomination and Award Schedule
January 14: Nominations are open for Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year nominations
March 14: Close nominations for students and teachers
April 1: Close application process for students
April 8: Close application process for teachers to recommend students and for teachers to apply after being nominated
April 18: Select and notify winners and invite them to the TAO awards
May 5, 2026: Present awards at the TAO Tech Awards event