HERMISTON — After 18-and-a-half years with the Hermiston School District, Director of Elementary Instruction Jerad Farley has been recognized as administrator of the year.

Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney awarded Farley with the distinction during the 53rd annual Distinguished Citizens Awards banquet, held March 1 at the Hermiston Community Center.

“Jerad is passionate not only about leading the people around him but also in growing the knowledge and skill set of everyone in the system,” she said. “He has a fundamental belief that if the knowledge of the team is built, it will impact the district of many.”

Mooney added that she could count on Farley to challenge the status quo.

“Jerad doesn’t allow people to say, ‘I can’t,’ but also doesn’t do it for them,” she said. “Instead, he spends the necessary time to grow the individual skill set and get the competence and support needed to grow.”

In his position as director of elementary instruction, Farley said he essentially oversees elementary schools and their programs.

“I supervise the principles, the decisions related to the curriculum and instruction across the elementary schools in Hermiston,” he said. “I used to teach fifth grade, I used to teach sixth grade, then I was an instructional coach, then I was a principal and now this. In every context, I always ask myself, ‘Who are my students? Who am I supporting, trying to teach and help grow?’”

Farley sang the praises of his district peers.

“Our elementary school principals are just phenomenal,” he said. “Our instructional coaches are phenomenal, and our teaching staff is high-quality. You just can’t find the caliber of people that we have here in Hermiston. It’s really a special place.”

“Every day I see things that are validating and fulfilling as it relates to the learning of adults in the system,” he added. “In this role, probably the highlight is getting to see our principals learn.”

In his various district positions over 18 years in education, Farley said it was necessary to look at a student’s value beyond a spreadsheet data point, because that would never help the student.

“We have a lot of kids in our system who are just capable and brilliant children,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t realize their potential.”

Regarding his own success, Farley defined what that word meant to him.

“I always think having a successful career is not about how much money you make,” he said. “It’s not about how much of a reputation you build. It’s about matching your passion with your skill set. I love teaching, I love watching kids learn and I love learning, myself.”

“I love teaching, I love watching kids learn and I love learning, myself.”

— Jerad Farley, Hermiston School District director of elementary instruction