Column: Supporting educators an investment that pays dividends
Published 5:00 am Sunday, August 9, 2026
Educators are among those in Central Oregon whose work quietly shapes our future.
Long before the first day of school, teachers are arranging classrooms, planning lessons, and thinking about how they’ll reach every student who walks through their doors. Throughout the year, they adapt, encourage, mentor, and inspire, all while balancing growing demands on their time and resources.
It’s work that deserves more than our appreciation; it deserves our support.
As a community credit union founded by educators nearly a century ago, teachers still make up a significant share of SELCO’s membership. Through those longstanding relationships, we’ve heard firsthand about the sacrifices they make. But it goes far beyond the anecdotal.
Surveys show that educators spend on average $700 of their own money each year on classroom supplies. While those purchases often happen quietly, they reflect a larger reality: Teachers regularly bridge gaps so their students have every opportunity to succeed.
But supporting educators isn’t simply about helping purchase learning materials. It’s about recognizing that strong schools are the foundation of strong communities.
The students learning in our classrooms today will become tomorrow’s nurses, business owners, firefighters, engineers, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and, yes, teachers. Their success as adults is often closely tied to the educators who challenge them, encourage them, and help them discover what’s possible.
For SELCO’s part, we support teachers and the students they serve with programs like our Classroom Makeovers and Creative Educator Grants. In fact, local organizations of all kinds have found creative ways to help educators. But the need persists.
Businesses of every size can partner with local schools, donate supplies, sponsor classroom projects, or encourage employees to volunteer. Community organizations can mentor students, provide career exploration opportunities, or help fund innovative learning experiences.
Individuals can support local education foundations, contribute to classroom wish lists, volunteer at school events, or simply ask teachers what they need.
Often, the most meaningful support isn’t the largest donation. It’s showing educators that their community sees them, values them, and stands behind the work they do.
Central Oregon has always been a place where neighbors step up for one another. We’ve seen it after wildfires, during difficult winters, and when a local family needs a helping hand. Our schools deserve that same community spirit.
As our region continues to grow, attracting and retaining outstanding educators remains a critical need. Great teachers have choices about where they build their careers.
Creating a community where educators feel supported—not just by their schools, but by local businesses, nonprofits, parents, and neighbors—helps ensure Central Oregon remains a place where talented teachers want to stay.
We often talk about investing in our future. Supporting educators is one of the most direct ways to do exactly that.
— Sandy Wagner is the Central Oregon Regional Manager for SELCO Community Credit Union.
