A passion for education, a love of learning and a fostering of cultural awareness that she extends to students helped Marisabel “Sabella” Curtis earn the Kent School District Teacher of the Year award for 2024-2025.
Curtis is a third-year language kindergarten teacher at Scenic Hill Elementary, having started as an English Language Learners (ELL) paraeducator in 2021 at Park Orchard Elementary.
“I believe that every child deserves a dynamic, engaging, and nurturing environment to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” Curtis wrote in her application, according to a March 4 Kent School District press release.
As a dual language educator, Curtis is known for incorporating dance and rhythm into her lessons, which engages her students and helps them to connect to the Spanish language in a multifaceted way, according to the district. Through hands-on projects or interactive storytelling, Curtis’ classroom is a vibrant environment where students build confidence and learn joyfully.
“It is teachers like Sabella Curtis that make students excited about learning and help parents engage as partners in the process,” one parent volunteer wrote.
Outside the classroom, Curtis has fostered community by creating a pickleball club for staff at her school, providing opportunities for healthy activity and connection, according to the press release. She also led a book study with the School Improvement Team using “The Sum of Us,” by Heather McGee, cultivating critical conversations about equity and race.
“Sabella Curtis is a shining example of what it means to be an exceptional educator,” Principal Harjeet Fuller-Sandu said. “Her dedication to her students goes beyond academics—she fosters a love of learning, builds confidence, and creates a welcoming environment where every child feels valued. Her passion for dual language education and innovative teaching methods makes a lasting impact on our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Scenic Hill, and this recognition is a testament to her hard work and heart for education.”
Curtis was recently honored at a brief ceremony in her classroom at Scenic Hill, 26025 Woodland Way S. Members of Scenic Hill and the Kent School District community, including Board Director Tim Clark and Superintendent Israel Vela, were in attendance to honor Curtis and her achievements.
“Sabella Curtis embodies the heart of education—passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” Vela said. “Through her dual language instruction, she fosters cultural awareness and pride, helping students connect with Spanish in meaningful and engaging ways. Her ability to create a joyful and inclusive learning environment is truly inspiring. Sabella’s impact extends beyond the classroom, strengthening the school community and enriching the lives of her students. We are proud to recognize her as the 2025 Teacher of the Year.”
Curtis was chosen from among teachers at 44 schools and academies in the district who teach more than 25,700 students. Each year the district sends a nomination form to schools for students, parents and staff to nominate a teacher. Each school determines its own selection process and then forwards its top candidate to a committee that includes Kent Education Association members, Human Resources leadership and previous teacher of the year winners to determine the new teacher of the year.
Curtis graciously accepted her honor.
“I know that I’m in the right place at the right time,” she said. “And every day I come in, I’m so happy, because I love what I do.”
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