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Greetings, Teachers,
In periods of uncertainty, access to reliable local journalism is especially important. It helps educators, families and students stay informed, grounded in facts, and engaged with a range of perspectives.
This week’s featured story explores what happens when district decisions ripple into classrooms, highlighting the very real impact on teachers and their students. By linking policy decisions to lived experience, Lilly St. Angelo’s reporting and Isaac Wasserman’s photojournalism beautifully capture the stories of a few that have been directly affected by midyear layoffs in Springfield.
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Featured Story of the Week
‘What the heck just happened?’ Springfield teachers navigate uncertainty, grief in midyear layoffs
By Lilly St. Angelo
February 16, 2026
Three teachers reflect on losing jobs and transferring schools following midyear layoffs in Springfield Public […]
Classroom Discussion Questions:
- How does this article demonstrate the ripple effect of institutional decisions on individuals?
- How does including personal stories (like Brown’s pregnancy or Ferguson’s student note) impact your understanding of the issue?
- Why is local journalism important for stories like this?
Latest from the Lookout Newsroom
Here’s a roundup of recent articles you could use in your classroom. Use our Current Event Discussion Guide for an easy way to facilitate reflection on these local events. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
Lane County’s first Black settlement was erased in 1949. A new monument will immortalize it.
By Taylor Goebel
February 14, 2026
William “Billy” Johnson Jr. pointed to a black-and-white photograph of a Black child, about five […]
Portion of Eugene Federal Building to be fenced off, police chief says
By Jaime Adame
February 12, 2026
Nearly two weeks after Eugene police declared a riot at the downtown building, the city will be closing off streets to assist federal authorities as fencing is installed, Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner said during a meeting of the Eugene […]
Latest Education & Statewide News
Lilly St. Angelo is Lookout’s dedicated education correspondent. Find more education coverage from her and our partners here. Do you have a story idea for Lilly? Contact her here.
LCC lands $1.6 million grant for workforce, technology programs
By Mike McInally
February 17, 2026
Lane Community College will receive $1.6 million in federal funding to help buy equipment for its new Industry and Trades Education Center.
New contract gives Springfield teachers 4% annual raise for 2 years
By Lilly St. Angelo
February 13, 2026
The agreement has been approved by both the school board and the union. Among other changes, the two-year deal also gives elementary school teachers more weekly prep time.
What’s next for Springfield schools as it parts ways with superintendent?
By Lilly St. Angelo
February 12, 2026
The district must negotiate a separation agreement with Todd Hamilton, the details of which may or may not be made public. Then the board will name an acting or interim superintendent, who will probably serve a year or so while […]
Educator & Student Resources
- Free high school student memberships here
- 2026 Student Journalism Scholarship Challenge application here – Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Download the Lookout Media Literacy Guide / Current Event Discussion Guide
- Featured resource of the week: PBS Storymaker
In closing, I’ll share a word from local HumaniTech CTE teacher, Ryan Hansen:
“As someone who has been featured in your recent articles about the 4J budget cuts and the cuts to CALCI programs like HumaniTech, it is helping us to spread the word about our work and increase community involvement by being able to link full articles.
Sharing local journalism about our community is an invaluable resource in our classrooms as we teach students to engage with their community and become knowledgeable about the world around us. Having a community supported membership means that Lookout E-S will be my first stop for news and classroom content, and it is deeply appreciated.“
Lookout is committed to bringing you all of the important updates in education, and providing resources that support your work.
With appreciation for all that you do,
Olivia Desgrange