Students Name Angela Ohland Teacher of the Year
Each year, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) invites students to nominate faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, create inclusive and supportive classroom environments, and go the extra mile to inspire academic and personal growth.
This year's recipient, Angela Ohland, stood out among a remarkable field of educators. Ohland was honored with the 2024-2025 PTK Teacher of the Year Award during Butte College's 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 30.
Ohland, a professor of communication studies, began teaching at Butte College as an associate faculty member in 2015 and joined the full-time faculty in 2018. In addition to teaching, she coaches the college's nationally recognized speech and debate team, which brought home 35 national awards this year alone.
In their nominations, students praised Ohland's compassion, thoughtfulness, and dedication. Many highlighted her engaging teaching style and her ability to build a classroom culture that is welcoming, encouraging, and empowering. One student summed it up: "She's the best teacher I've ever had in college."
In her acceptance speech, Ohland reflected on her own journey in public speaking, recalling how she stumbled-literally-during her first speech in eighth grade. That moment became a metaphor she now shares with students: "Stumbling doesn't mean you're not meant to be on the stage. If anything, it's proof that you are."
She shared how that philosophy shapes her approach to teaching. "Every day, I try to help students see that every stumble is just a step forward," Ohland said. "What matters most is getting back up, staying true to yourself, and trusting that your most powerful asset is your authentic voice."
Ohland emphasized that the award isn't just about her-it's about the students she works with every day. "My job isn't to mold students into something they're not. It's to help bring out what's already inside: your voice, your confidence, your potential," she told graduates. "You did it. You showed up. You overcame doubt, and you proved that you absolutely could."
Butte College congratulates Angela Ohland on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her lasting impact on the students and campus community.
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