Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
OSTA President
Leslie Polson
Re-elected Fall Conference 2025
Leslie believes that all students should have a good experience with their substitute teachers and is always looking for ways to become a better teacher.
OSTA Vice President
Jon Deshler
Re-elected Fall Conference 2025
Jon, a musician, brings passion and the love of music to the classroom. He specializes in markeing and communications.
Membership chair
Kimberly Mandel
Elected Fall Conference 2025
It’s terrific — terrifyingly fantastic, to be elected, again, as OSTA Membership Chair! I got involved with OSTA during the Covid years and have been helping them modernize and expand on their existing infrastructure. I am pleased to be able to continue to benefit and contribute to the “OSTA wisdom” that our membership shares freely so everyone may benefit.
Committee Positions
Substitute Teacher of the Year CHAIR PERSON
(VACANT)
Please consider joining us.
Email ostasubspresident@gmailo.com for more information.
TSPC - Evelin Siblen
Ongoing
Members-at-large
(2 vacancies)
dillon Daniel-hoffman
Elected Fall Conference 2025
Hello! My name is Dillon Daniel-Hoffman, and I’m thrilled to join the OSTA board as a Member-at-Large. For thirteen years, I taught high school advanced mathematics—ten in Oregon City and three in North Clackamas—before embarking on what I like to call my “sub-battical.” For the past two years, I’ve been substitute teaching full-time in Oregon City at both the middle and high school levels. I’ve found subbing to be not only rewarding but genuinely fun (most days!). I’m excited to continue supporting and advocating for substitute teachers across Oregon through my work with OSTA.
Katherine “Katie” Darke
Elected Fall Conference 2025
Phyllis Kirkwood
Founding President and Lifetime Member
After ten years of full-time teaching, Phyllis Kirkwood was an elementary substitute teacher in Beaverton for 35 years. She especially enjoyed working with students who needed a little extra help.
She also enjoyed teaching music classes and staging the school musical play, in the absence of the music teacher. Phyllis was the Founding President of OSTA in 1975 and lobbied the Legislature, PERS, and TSPC on behalf of substitute teachers throughout the years. She often wrote rationale and newsletters. Though retired, she still enjoys being involved and believes there are no better friends than those who have worked together to improve their profession.