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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW California woman charged with assault, DUII after crash near Ashland injures children ... Firefighting near Crater Lake closes park's north entrance ... Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... California woman charged with assault, DUII after crash near Ashland injures children ... Firefighting near Crater Lake closes park's north entrance ... Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... EDUCATION District fires Oregon's 2014 Teacher of the Year Officials say special ed teacher was absent too often Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Apr. 4, 2015 at 7:50 PM By The Associated Press Posted Apr. 4, 2015 at 7:50 PM » Social News PORTLAND — A special education teacher has been fired the year after winning Oregon's Teacher of the Year award. The Multnomah Education Service District announced the decision Friday, saying Brett Bigham lost focus and prioritized outside activities after winning the 2014 award. "It was a difficult decision and not what we hoped for," Interim Superintendent Jim Rose said in a statement. "Brett is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it became clear over time that Brett's focus was no longer his classroom and students, as evidenced by excessive time away and distraction during class time." Bigham has helped special education students between the ages of 18 and 21 with work and life skills. He was put on paid administrative leave March 20. Bigham filed two complaints in recent months against the district with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, alleging sexual-orientation discrimination and retaliation. Labor department spokesman Charlie Burr said the agency is monitoring Bigham's case and plans to soon complete its investigation. The issue of absences came to light in February when officials initially threatened Bigham with termination if he attended a gala in Washington, D.C., where he was to receive a national education award. Bigham said the district miscalculated his absences, and the firing is retaliation for filing complaints. His lawyer and union representative will meet to discuss future steps, he said. "I do not intend to go down without a fight," Bigham told The Oregonian newspaper. Union president Hanna Vaandering said in a statement that she was astonished to hear the news. "Anyone who knows Brett — his students, their parents, his colleagues — knows that he is a wonderful educator," she said. Experienced substitutes will teach Bigham's class for the rest of the school year, and the district will continue to offer the functional living skills program, district spokeswoman Laura Conroy said. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Apr. 4, 2015 at 7:50 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501