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Teacher of the Year and Regional Winners
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2002 Washington State Teacher of the Year
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David McKay
ESD 113
Aberdeen School District
Aberdeen High School
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2002 Regional Teachers of the Year
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- ESD 101
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- David
Baribault
Northport School District
Middle & High School
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- ESD 105
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- Julie Wysong
Grandview School District
Harriet Thompson Elementary
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- ESD 112
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- Gail Welsh
Camas School District
Skyridge Middle School
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- ESD 114
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- Laurie Dye
Bremerton School District
Mountain View Middle School
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- ESD 121
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- Jennifer
Grajewski
Kent School Distsrict
Northwood Jr. High School
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- ESD 123
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- Barbara
Taylor
Othello School District
McFarland Jr. High School
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- ESD 171
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- Cherri
Brondstetter
Wenatchee School District
Columbia Elementary School
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- ESD 189
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- Patrick
Preisinger
Meridian School District
Meridian High School
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2002 Washington State Teacher of the Year (top of page)
David McKay
ESD 113
Aberdeen School District
Aberdeen High School
David McKay was selected to represent Washington State as the 2002 Teacher of the Year. Having only taught for sixteen years, David truly believes that he has much more to learn. David feels he owes much of his success to his colleagues whose encouragement and assistance in the endeavors of his students allows both his students and himself to realize their goals.
David believes that the community of Aberdeen, where he
resides, also plays a vital part in the successes of his students. In the end,
however, he states the real heroes are the students. Through their hard work and
willingness to learn and try new activities, they have, literally, changed the
world. They choose to apply their learning. They actively participate in so many
different events and programs that change the lives of thousands of people!
Educational truths that David believes in and applies in his
classroom and life are: 1) Have faith in the abilities of students to achieve at
levels beyond expectations for they will not disappoint you; 2) Set goals very
high for students. Many will achieve these goals, and the others who may not
will travel on excellent journeys; and 3) Education must always be in a constant
state of reform. Everyone must choose daily to be better than they were the day
before.
If all involved in public education could be viewed as a
person, David would name it a "winner." David states, "Winners
make more mistakes than losers because they dream bigger dreams and take more
calculated risks than losers, and they win much more often. Winners have a
positive expectancy to win big and take all setbacks as temporary. Winners are
remembered for their wins, not their losses. Winners do not actively look for
recognition. They desire that the people they serve receive the benefits,
accolades, and self-worth that come with achievement. Because students, parents,
and educators are winners, our society has and does experience wonderful and
worldwide successes every day."
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2002 Regional Teacher of the Year (top of page)
ESD 101
Don Baribault
Northport School District
Middle& High School
Don Baribault is the 2002 Regional Teacher
of the Year from Educational Service District 101. He teaches middle and
high school at Northport School District 211. Don was very surprised when
learning of his selection as the Regional Teacher of the Year for
Educational Service District 101. He states," I want to share this
award with my colleagues, as each and everyone go the extra mile for
Northport’s students."
Don spends his day teaching reading,
writing, mathematics, woodshop, and working as the district’s vocational
and athletic director. One philosophy in which Don subscribes is that each
student must know and feel that their teachers are there to help them and
will be behind them in every way. Don is very dedicated to the content
areas he teaches and wants each student to strive to achieve. He also
feels that being a friend, mentor, advisor, role model, and motivator to
young people today is just as important as what he teaches.
In Don’s five years in the education
professional, he has found that by showing an interest in all students, in
and out of the classroom, the students know they are cared about and that
he is willing to work hard for them in class and in life. Don plans to
keep learning and improving in the future and wishes all well.
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2002 Regional Teacher of the Year (top of page)
ESD 105
Julie Wysong
Grandview School District
Harriet Thompson Elementary
Julie Wysong is the 2002 Regional Teacher of the Year from the Educational Service District 105. Julie teaches a 1st/2nd grade Looping Class at H. Thompson Elementary School in the Grandview School District.
Julie teaches with a twist and hooks her students with a WOW! She uses the integration of technology and science to motivate her students to go beyond the standard lessons. With the use of power point presentations, digital cameras, palm pilots, scanners, and microscopes the students are applying skills that will be beneficial throughout their educational careers.
Julie uses her students' own curiosity to teach them to find the answers to their own questions. Julie's ability to reach her students and make learning a positive and enjoyable experience is the reason that she believes her method of teaching is as important as what she teaches.
Julie explains that a partnership between parent, child, and teacher is the focus of meeting the new state standards in educational reform. Working together opens the doors to many opportunities for all involved. The parent's involvement models the importance of education to the child. The teacher's guidance and the student's curiosity collaboratively earn success beyond the classroom walls as well as in school. The involvement of the parent, child, and teacher working together demonstrates the process needed to reach a common goal of success.
Julie is grateful to receive such recognition and humbled by the honor. She feels blessed to be working with such exceptional and talented people in Grandview that are committed to excellence in education and exhibit a love for children. Julie is thankful for the influence and encouragement of her parents, family, and friends in helping her pursue a career in education.
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2002 Regional Teacher of the Year (top of page)
ESD 112
Gail Welsh
Camas School District
Skyridge School
Gail is the 2002 Regional Teacher of the Year from Educational Service District 112. Gail teaches at the Skyridge Middle School in the Camas School District.
Passion is how Gail addresses her profession and beauty is what she believes happens when learning takes place in the classroom. A quote by the Irish poet William Butler is one of her favorites: "Teaching is not the filling of the pail but the lighting of the fire."
Gail knows that all of us can remember teachers who have given lessons which last their students a lifetime. All of us, too, can look back and know that those teachers had a very special and unique gift. Gail feels that the art of teaching is about the beauty and passion for learning; and, to make this a true gift, educators need to possess the ability to diligently pass it on to others.
Gail hopes that her students will remember her for her passion. Gail states, "Teaching is a career that will bring you satisfaction and joy without measure. You know that everyday you are touching individuals
who will remember you for a lifetime."
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2002 Regional Teacher of the Year (top of page)
ESD 114
Laurie Dye
Bremerton School District
Mountain View Middle School
Laurie Dye is the 2002 Regional Teacher of the Year from Educational Service
District 114. She teaches 7th grade mathematics at Mountain View Middle School in Bremerton.
Laurie believes in high expectations for both herself and for her students.
Even though she teaches at a high poverty school, her students are expected to excel and achieve through innovative practices and determination.
Laurie is recognized for her leadership skills. She serves on numerous committees, both locally and at the state level. Laurie is always looking
for ways to improve the quality of instruction in her math classroom. She welcomes new ideas and implements ones that have merit and application in
the mathematics classroom. Her willingness to take risks motivates and inspires teachers who work with her.
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2002 Regional Teacher of the Year (top of page)
ESD 123
Barbara Taylor
Othello School District
McFarland Junior High School
Barbara Taylor is the 2002 Regional Teacher
of the Year from Educational Service District 123. She teaches at
McFarland Junior High in the Othello School District.
Barbara has been teaching for over 14 years
and has been a leader in her district helping to shape the district’s
technology plan, and align school curricula to Washington’s learning
goals.
Barbara teaches science at both the 7th
and 8th grade levels. It is not uncommon to walk by her room
and see students totally focused on a presentation, experiment, or
hands-on activity. Barbara gets the most teaching satisfaction from
providing opportunities for her students to take control of their learning
and seeing them become productive, life-long learners. She challenges her
students to work hard and to be responsible in their daily tasks.
"When I look back over the past 14
years of my teaching career, I have seen myself grow as a teacher in many
ways. My growth has impacted student learning, in and out of the
classroom. I am very proud and honored to be recognized as one of the
state’s best teachers and will continue to better myself and to grow in
my profession."
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Updated 12/29/2008
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