Cle Elum-Roslyn teacher named Washington’s best

SEATTLE – Susan Johnson, a veteran language arts teacher at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School, was named Washington state’s teacher of the year Wednesday.

The 17-year teaching veteran was chosen from among nine finalists. She will spend a year traveling around the state as an ambassador to teachers, while keeping up with work in the classroom.

Johnson also will represent Washington in the national competition.

The other finalists were:

•Dave Gamon, a life science teacher at Northwood Middle School in the Mead School District;

•Katie Hebner, a music teacher and choral instructor at Alki and Jefferson middle schools in the Vancouver School District;

•Heather Byington, an English-as-a-second-language teacher at Evergreen Elementary in the Shelton School District;

•David Young, a second- and third-grade teacher at Clear Creek Elementary School in the Central Kitsap School District in Silverdale;

•Kimmie Read, a fourth-grade teacher at Zeiger Elementary in the Puyallup School District;

•Toni Cuello, a kindergarten teacher at Emerson Elementary in the Pasco School District;

•Ted Mack, a special education teacher at Discover Elementary in the Moses Lake School District;

•LaLani Pitts, a language arts teacher at Mount Baker High School in the Mount Baker School District in Deming.

Johnson was recognized for her ability to help high school students find their voice in writing and make connections between literature and modern life, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson told a news conference at the Museum of Flight.

Johnson also is an adjunct professor at Central Washington University and co-director of the Central Washington Writing Project, which coaches teachers.