Ron Yager was born in Oneonta NY in 1950 and attended Otego Central School, graduating in 1968. He went on to Fulton-Montgomery Community College at which he taught Trigonometry and Algebra while studying for his degree in Mathematics and Education. Ron Yager then earned both his Bachelor (1972) and Master Degrees (1975) in Science and Education with a concentration in Mathematics at SUNY Oneonta and began his teaching career in Sidney in 1972.
Ron Yager taught math in the Sidney Central Middle School from 1972-2007 including the offering of high school Advanced Course 1 Mathematics to middle school students. Ron was excellent with students, many of whom continue to view him even today as one of the most important mentors and educators in their lives.
Ron Yager received the Sidney Moose Club's Community Recognition Award in 1978 and five years later was named 1983 Sidney Teacher of the Year by the school's administrators and faculty. In 1988 he was named New York State Central Region Teacher of the Year, a region including the ten counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie.
Perry Berkowitz, former high school principal and district superintendent wrote of Ron Yager "Besides being a consummate teacher, Ron was a consummate member of the Community. He was an emergency medical professional." He goes on to say how Ron always volunteered to help or tutor students in need or disadvantaged, and he fondly remembers their work together when they were involved in starting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in Sidney in 1990.
While teaching, Ron Yager was also an outstanding volunteer for both the Otego Fire Department and Emergency Squad for three decades, winning Otsego County Fireman of the Year in 1979. He earned certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, an Intravenous and Esophageal Technician, and as an A.O. Fox Hospital Technician. He was also certified in Coronary Care and Drug Therapy and CPR Practical Skills. Ron's skills as an EMT often helped the sick and the injured, and his service was acknowledged with the Fox Memorial Hospital Award for Faithful and Devoted Service to the Residents of the Community, and the A.O. Fox Hospital Appreciation for Service Award, both in 1981. Ron Served as Otego Emergency squad captain and President of Otsego County Emergency Squads throughout decade of the 1980s.
He is perhaps most proud of the Liberty Partnership Resolve Peacemaker Award given to him in 2006 by the New York State Facilitator and Learning Laboratories: an award to those who participate and excel in conflict resolution in schools and communities.