Changemakers | A conversation with Brett Bigham

A conversation with Brett Bigham, the 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year and first special education teacher to win the honor.

Brett Bigham, ’91, a life skills teacher for 18-to-21-year-olds with developmental disabilities, was honored as the 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year. It should have been one of the most special years of his career. But a short time later, he was fired for using his platform to talk openly about being gay and speaking up for LGBTQ+ students.

Since then, he’s remained an educator on his own terms. He helped bolster a special education program in Bangladesh and authored more than 175 free online Ability Guidebooks to help autistic people access places in the community.

His tough fight against the district eventually contributed to a meaningful win for change. His case was included in an amicus brief reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, influencing the June 2020 ruling that now protects LGBTQ+ people nationwide from workplace discrimination.

Changemakers | A Conversation with Amber Coyne

Changemakers | Turning Adversity into Advantage

Changemakers | Paying it forward

Changemakers | A conversation with Coach Smith

Changemakers | A conversation with Lindsay Schnell

Changemakers | A conversation with Tonga Hopoi

Travel Talk | Essence of India: A Global Perspective on Ecology & Culture

Nov 12, 2024

Discover India’s rich cultural tapestry, its evolving role on the global stage and its impactful conservation efforts through Khanna’s personal stories and insights.

Ask Alumni | Stress, Sleep and Self-Care: Balancing Your Well-Being

Oct 22, 2024

This virtual workshop with Matthew Rensi, Ph.D. ’21, a licensed professional clinical counselor, focuses on the critical connection between stress management, quality sleep and effective self-care.

Ask Alumni | Building a Holistic Mental Wellness Toolbox with AI Support

Oct 15, 2024

In this Ask Alumni webcast featuring licensed mental health professional Justin Jacques, Ph.D. ’22, discover how to create a personalized mental wellness toolkit with the help of AI.