Ford Morishita

Ford and his wife Jolene are native Oregonians and have been married for 35 years. Previously, they lived in Milwaukie, where they raised two children, Alyssa and Keean.

Ford was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Jolene was baptized as Catholic. Searching for religious harmony, their spiritual journey led to St. Johns the Evangelist Church in Milwaukie, Oregon, where they found a welcoming home in the Episcopal faith for over 16 years. However, when the children “flew the nest,” Ford and Jolene yearned for a parish which could extend their religious and social consciousness. In 2016, they signed up for a Wednesday class on White Privilege at the Cathedral, and that was it! They became members of an amazing community at Trinity. Ford serves as a Lector, a Thanksgiving Community Dinner volunteer, and a member of the Immigrant Welcoming Committee.

Ford holds a BS in Biology and MAT in Biological Sciences from Lewis and Clark College. He retired from the North Clackamas SD following 33 years of service, the last 11 years as AP Biology and Biotechnology Teacher and head track coach.

Following retirement, Ford became Regional Science Coordinator for ESD112 in Vancouver, WA, which provided instructional support and teacher leadership opportunities for thirty K-12 school districts in the region. He was also contracted by Discovery Education as a STEM Consultant for two years. Currently, Ford works part-time as a University Supervisor for teacher candidates at Portland State University-College of Education.

Ford’s board service has focused on science education/policy which includes: Teacher Advisory Council (founding member) for The National Academies of Science, Advisory Board Member for Smithsonian Science Center/Smithsonian Institution, President and CAGS Chair for Oregon/National Science Teachers Association, and Advisory Council (founding member) for Chalkboard Project of Oregon. Presently, Ford serves on the Advisory Board for OR MESA (Math Science Engineering Achievement) and as a member of IBC (Institute for Biosafety Committee) at Providence Cancer Research Center.