The Kent School District announced Friday that Northwood Middle School’s Amy Abrams is the District Teacher of the Year for 2014.
Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas, school board vice president Tim Clark and district leaders made a surprise visit before classes started Friday morning at Northwood to tell Abrams she had won, according to a school district media release. Northwood’s staff gave Abrams a standing ovation at the news.
The award is for 2014 because of the timeline for when regional and national awards are announced, so district’s choose 2014 winners in the spring of 2013.
An eighth-grade language arts teacher, Abrams is guided by her strong belief in the power of education and service for others. Her belief in her students and the work she puts into teaching resulted in Abrams being named the KSD 2014 Teacher of the Year.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for this honor,” Abrams said.
The 15-year teaching veteran was nominated by her peers with input from parents and students. The nomination letter noted Abrams’ ability to connect with students and tap their talents and gifts to help them become successful. She also challenges her students each day to create their best work. One parent added that Abrams’ skills had a great impact on her daughters who had very different interests and abilities, and the family considers her the most influential educator in their lives.
Abram’s explained her philosophy regarding education by quoting a Chinese proverb. “People who say it can’t be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”
“I truly believe that every child can succeed,” she added. “Classrooms are filled with students possessing a rich variety of experiences and backgrounds. Students succeed in my classroom. They do so because they don’t have any other option. I provide them with the tools needed for success, show them how to use them, and expect them to be used.”
Her colleagues added they appreciated her expertise, her enthusiasm for collaboration, and her willingness to help fellow teachers so all students can succeed.
“Amy is the embodiment of the exemplary teachers we have here in Kent School District,” Vargas said. “She has high expectations for herself and her students. Her skills and passion for education make her truly deserving of this recognition.”
Abrams’ selection as the district’s teacher of the year means she is a candidate for regional teacher of the year within the Puget Sound Educational Service District, which serves 35 public school districts.
The regional teacher of the year recipients then become candidates for the 2014 Washington State Teacher of the Year which is announced in the fall.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
