Siletz School’s culinary instructor wins group’s teacher of year award

SILETZ — Siletz Valley School culinary director Patrick Clarke has been named the Small School Association’s 2025 teacher of the year.

Clarke is at the forefront of a program that combines French cooking methods and local Native American traditions where students practice hands-on learning from deep sea fishing to foraging mushrooms, according to an OregonLive article.

Beginning as a food service specialist with the U.S. Army, Clarke worked in a California winery and operated his own food truck before becoming culinary director at Siletz Valley School.

“Patrick Clarke has taken his experiences as an Army cook and turned them into culinary school, and then decided to create his own food programs that were focused on building kids’ appreciation for food as a community gift,” Siletz Valley School superintendent/principal Ginger Redlinger said in a news release.

Redlinger noted that Clarke has earned the respect of tribal members and participates in ceremonial meals, learning and sharing knowledge about preparing food for ceremonies.

“He understands the value of school, of community, of food, of caring for children, of caring for our natural resources and loving each other, Redlinger said.

Oregon Small Schools Association advocates for rural education and small schools across the state. The teacher of the year award recognizes educators who demonstrate integrity, leadership, commitment to community, scholarship and student achievement. Clarke will receive his award at the OSSA Spring Conference on April 18 at the Salishan Resort.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” Clarke said in a news release. “I find myself surrounded by dedicated professional teachers, staff and amazing students who do amazing work every day and encourage me to do the same.”