Patricia “Pati” Lerma, a Portland State University alumna and first-grade teacher in the Canby School District, was named the 2026 OABE Dual Language Bilingual Education Teacher of the Year last month.
Lerma’s recognition highlights her journey from arriving in Oregon as a teenager who spoke no English to becoming an educator dedicated to supporting bilingual students. She said, “Dreams do come true when we believe in ourselves, when we work with determination and perseverance. Especially when we love what we do.”
Lerma teaches in the K-6 dual language immersion program at Trost Elementary School, where she works with both native English and Spanish speakers. Her path to teaching began after moving from Mexico at age 14 and overcoming language barriers throughout high school and college. After studying English as a second language at Clackamas Community College, she transferred to Portland State University and completed the Bilingual Teacher Pathway program.
Her academic journey was not traditional; balancing coursework, language learning, and life responsibilities meant it took nearly twice as long as usual to earn her degree. Standardized testing requirements also posed challenges until she received support from PSU faculty. “Dr. De La Vega believed in me when I was ready to give up,” Lerma said.
Lerma credits her experience at PSU for reinforcing values around equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusion for bilingual students and their families. She said supportive professors helped guide her career path: “PSU was a great place for me. I felt welcome. I had great professors.” After graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher before being hired full-time in 2017.
In her classroom of 28 students—half native English speakers and half native Spanish speakers—Lerma emphasizes identity and belonging alongside academic achievement. She designs lessons that allow students to share their cultures while practicing language skills. One tradition is a “graduation walk” where first-graders celebrate their aspirations for the future by wearing decorated caps and gowns.
Reflecting on her own experiences as an English learner, Lerma encourages aspiring educators: “The journey is not easy. But if you have chosen this path it is for a reason. Your dedication and passion will make a difference in the lives of your students and their communities.” Looking ahead, Lerma plans to pursue a doctorate degree: “I like to take risks,” she said. “I like to challenge myself.”
