Walter Ricks

Walter Ricks, A Lincoln and Tillamook County substitute teacher whose students call him “Abuelito” (Little Grandfather) was selected as OSTA’s outstanding substitute teacher for 2007. He was recognized at the Legislature on Oregon Substitute Teacher Day May 9 and at the Lincoln County School Board May 8.

Teachers, administrators, secretaries, and students all love him. Some even say the schools could not run without him. One student told him, “Mr. Ricks, if I were a magic person I would make you live forever.” How does he engender such affection? By taking the hardest jobs and sticking up for students who need extra encouragement. He even takes pies in the face on the last day of school—all for fun.

Walt Ricks started teaching in 1959 in a three teacher elementary school in California’s high Sierras, moving to Trinidad, CA the next year for 18 years, teaching a few years in each of eight grades. For twelve years, he assumed the vice principal’s duties which included Acting Principal and Superintendent when his boss had a fatal heart attack.

For 15 years, he left teaching and became a business owner of a pet shop. During that time, he served eight years on the school board. In 1994, when Walt and his wife Dixie moved to Otis, OR, he volunteered to guide a Hispanic student through the eighth grade. Since then he has been a substitute teacher in grades 8-12 and all subjects in Lincoln City and Nestucca Valley. He connects with students by volunteering on the chain gang for Taft High School football games. In extra time, he tends to chickens and building projects on their two acres.

Walt uses his experience as an administrator to save the day when other teachers are having a difficult time with students and no administrator is available. All agree that when he is in the school, learning continues and problems are quickly solved. He well deserves the honor of Oregon Substitute Teacher of the Year!