For the Reporter

Puget Sound Educational Service District (ESD) has selected Amy Abrams as the 2014 Kent Teacher of the Year.

Abrams, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Northwood Middle School, 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 Kent School District Teacher of the Year.

As Regional Teacher of the Year, Abrams qualifies as a candidate for Washington State Teacher of the Year.

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.

When she won district Teacher of the Year, Abrams 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 the Kent School District,” said Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas. “She has high expectations for herself and her students. Her skills and passion for education make her truly deserving of this recognition.”

The Puget Sound ESD serves 35 public school districts. Regional teachers of the year will be considered for the title 2014 Washington State Teacher of the Year, and the winner will be announced in the fall.

Elsewhere

The following students from Kent were recently made the spring semester dean’s list at University of Portland: Evan Howell (senior, mechanical engineering); James Cutler (senior, civil engineering); Rachel Schmidt (senior, nursing); Roxanne Fontanilla (senior, nursing); Sara Bindl (freshman, business administration); and Yasmin Abubakar (sophomore, elementary education). …

Auburn’s Kent’s Jillian Christy Boroughs (bachelor of science, physical education) and McKaley Brewer (bachelor of science, athletic training) recently graduated from Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. A total of 663 candidates for degrees were presented at the commencement exercises.