DURHAM – The Oyster River Cooperative School District is pleased to announce that Strings Teacher Andrea von Oeyen has been named a 2024 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year semifinalist.
Andrea von Oeyen, who teaches music at both Oyster River Middle School and Oyster River High School and leads the district’s strings program, was one of 20 educators from across the state to be selected as a semifinalist for the honor. Semifinalists were selected among 92 nominees.
The New Hampshire Teacher of the Year is recognized for their exceptional dedication, knowledge, and leadership skills. The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is capable of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide.
“When I think about the nomination for this award, I think about all of the people who have guided me and helped me along the way. I have had an amazing amount of support from the Oyster River administration, fellow colleagues, parents, students, and community members,” said von Oeyen. “I am so grateful to be working in a district that supports music, the arts, and its teachers and learners.”
“Andrea von Oeyen is an esteemed colleague, and she offers our students a variety of valuable experiences in their music education” said Superintendent James Morse. “She cultivates a culture of collaboration and respect and demonstrates strong leadership both inside and outside the classroom. She is an exemplary teacher and all of us at Oyster River are excited to see her being honored as a 2024 Teacher of the Year semifinalist.”
Semifinalists will give presentations to the selection committee in July, which will help decide the finalists. Committee members will conduct visits to the finalists’ schools in September to determine the winner, which will be announced in October.
von Oeyen, who is also incoming president of the New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA), recently accompanied 10 students to the New Hampshire Music Education Association (NHMEA) All-State Festival this spring.
More information on the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year selection process can be viewed here.
Oyster River middle and high school music teacher Andrea von Oeyen has been named a New Hampshire Teacher of the Year semifinalist. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Andrea von Oeyen conducts her music students during a concert. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Andrea von Oeyen is the leader of the ORCSD strings program. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District)