Stepping into Heather Byington’s classroom is like visiting a different country. And according to Byington, it’s the blend of cultures and traditions in her classroom that make it such a great place to teach everyday. Byington teaches English-as-a-second-language (ELL) at Evergreen Elementary School in Shelton Washington, and is one of nine teachers to win the 2009 regional teacher award from OSPI.
Claire Alexander has taught math in the Glenwood School district for the last 34 years. And with her continued commitment to show her students the “richness and beauty in math,” it’s no surprise she is one of 32 teachers nationwide to win the 2009 Math Hero contest. Nominated by a former student, the Raytheon Company selected Alexander out of 160 nominees for her efforts to engage students in math through interactive and creative learning programs.
Yes, David Young has taught at Clear Creek Elementary school in Silverdale, Wash. for the last 12 years. But not only does he see himself as a teacher, Young sees himself as a student too. “I’m always learning and trying to get better at teaching,” said Young. And it’s his desire to learn, just like his students, that continues to make instruction in his classroom a success.
“I have to make science more than the book,” said Dave Gamon, who teaches life science at Northwood Middle School in Spokane, Wash. And considering his classroom is home to a chinchilla, bearded dragon, frogs, birds and tropical fish, it sounds like he is doing just that. Gamon is one of nine teachers to win the 2009 Regional Teacher of the Year Award.
Gamon is fascinated by science and has fun in the classroom. And apparently lots of it, “I’m like a big kid,” said Gamon, who calls himself an engaging person with an appreciation for the world around him. Gamon said he couldn’t imagine teaching something that he didn’t enjoy.