Joe Craig has been named this year’s Teacher Hero, according to an April 15 announcement. The recognition highlights his dedication to teaching and volunteering, particularly in the field of outdoor education.
Craig is known for his passion for wildlife and stewardship of the outdoors. He volunteers with the Forest Service and Discover Your Northwest, where he leads snowshoe tours for elementary students at Mt. Bachelor. During these tours, he teaches about hydrology, wildlife, and geology.
“All the knowledge that I have, to be able to get other people excited and pass that knowledge on, is one of the most fulfilling things,” Craig told The Source. “At the end of my career, working for nonprofits and volunteering with the kids, it’s just been a pleasure in giving back.”
Craig also serves as vice president on the Board of Directors at Central Oregon Land Watch since 2023 and co-owns CW Outdoors, an outdoors-brand sales agency. His background includes a long career at Columbia Sportswear where he became senior vice president of North American sales before retiring in 2018.
Reflecting on his own experiences growing up near Cleveland, Ohio—and influenced by parents who took him to the Allegheny Mountains—Craig said mentors like Boy Scout leader Mr. Koptis shaped his approach: “On a hike…if you stop every so often and look around…there is so much going on. I was taught that at a young age, how everything is connected.” He now tries to inspire others with similar encouragement.
After completing Oregon State University’s Naturalist program in 2025 to deepen his understanding of ecology and geology, Craig said sharing knowledge remains central: “If I can instill in people an understanding of how nature works and how everything balances, that just means a lot to me.” He cited Indigenous traditions about thinking seven generations ahead when considering environmental impact: “What are we leaving for our grandchildren…or our great-great-great grandchildren?”
Looking ahead, Craig said passing on knowledge will continue to be his focus: “I think the primary thing is to put ego aside…It’s about helping other people be their best.”
