Jay Maebori, a language arts teacher at Kentwood High School, was named Kent Teacher of the Year April 14 with the Kentwood staff in attendance.

KWHS Principal Doug Hostetter, in nominating Maebori, noted his “unflagging dedication to his students, his continual efforts at intellectual renewal, and his passion for teaching and learning. He is a top-flight educator.”

Lisa Brackin-Johnson, president of the Kent Education Association teachers union, commented, “All of the candidates were outstanding. Jay stood out because of his tremendous passion for students. He is one of those teachers who is constantly there supporting students, both academically within the classroom as well as through a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.”

Maebori began teaching at Kentwood in 2001. He achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in communications from the University of Washington in 1994, and his Master’s Degree in teaching from Seattle Pacific University in 2003. Maebori recently achieved National Board Certification in the area of English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

This year’s nominees for the honor were: Sarah Dahl, Horizon Elementary; Rick Foysten, Kent-Meridian High School; Sandy Goetz, Martin Sortun Elementary; Jason Hurley, Cedar Valley Elementary; Jessica Hyvonen, Daniel Elementary; Susan Jones, Northwood Middle; Jan Light, Crestwood Elementary; Kristin Nielsen, East Hill Elementary; David Nydegger, Cedar Heights Middle School; Irma Perez, Meadow Ridge Elementary; and Andy Thrush, Meeker Middle School.

]The Washington State Teacher of the Year Program recognizes teachers at both the state and regional level. Every school district has the opportunity to participate in the state program by submitting one nominee to their regional educational service district. Each of the nine ESDs in Washington state selects one regional finalist from the school districts in its area. Each finalist is recognized as a regional teacher of the year. Each regional finalist completes the state application and submits it to the Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. In September 2010, one teacher will be selected to represent Washington State in the National Teacher of the Year Program.