Once again this Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked members of our community to share some thoughts on your favorite teacher(s) and you did not disappoint! Nearly 80 of you took time to shout out a favorite teacher or two.
Thank you to everyone who took time to send a kind word about your favorite teacher(s)! Here is a sampling of the responses we received:
Battle Ground High School
Lt. Col. (ret.) Andrew Woodrow and Master Sergeant Nicholas Gega, AFJROTC: “The values and practical life lessons they provide through this program are second to none. These leaders get the kids in this program outside, moving and doing activities they would otherwise not have the opportunity to do.” - Cadet mother
Battle Ground Virtual Academy
Bradley Cain: “Mr. Cain is very supportive of her efforts and always makes her want to do more. He is a friendly voice of reason and a fountain of knowledge.” - Anthony Callaway
Captain Strong Primary
Toni Brammer, kindergarten: “My kindergartener is so excited every morning to go to school, she is constantly saying, ‘Mrs. B is the best teacher on earth!’ She loves Mrs. Brammer’s soft approach and inclusiveness to each child in her classroom. Starting your childhood education with such a positive role model for a teacher truly makes all of the difference!” - Mackenzie Wurzer
Chief Umtuch Middle
Bobbi Coine, sixth grade: “She’s awesome and caring and understanding and fun.” - Connor Cochran
Ariella Schaaf, sixth grade: “A great teacher! Fun, kind and awesome. We love her.” - Connor Cochran
Kimberly Vissotzky, fifth grade, ASPIRE: “My son has had the amazing opportunity to be in Mrs. V's history and English class this year, and he has learned so much from her. She works so hard to help them learn at a deep level and has taught them very valuable teamwork and organization skills this year. My son has learned so much in her class this year and has gotten to do some really fun projects. Thank you Mrs. V for everything you do!” - Allison Kimber
Donni Woolman, fifth grade, ASPIRE: “She has challenged her students in deep ways and has given them opportunities to participate in math and science challenges, such as the Science Olympiad and the SW Washington Math Challenge. My son loved both of these challenges. He has especially grown in his math skills this year, a subject he loves, and I know this is thanks to the opportunities Mrs. Woolman has given them to learn far beyond their grade level. Thank you for your care and dedication to your students, Mrs. Woolman. We are so grateful for you!” - Allison Kimber
Daybreak Middle
Jeanie Vashaw, Center Based Classroom teacher: “Thank you for always providing support and caring for Kingsley!” - Whitney Walker
Kayla Alexander, fifth grade: “She is very nice/kind and helpful and never is disrespectful.” - Joyce S.
Jordan Osborne, sixth grade and Miki Meadows, eighth grade: “Mr. Osborne seems to have a positive way of connecting with kids that makes them feel good being at school. Mrs. Meadows (Ray) has managed to create a supportive connection with my daughter who has ADHD.” - Rebecca Olson
Katelyn Downing, eighth grade: “Ms. Downing is so nice and sweet. I’ve honestly never seen her get angry with us, even when she’s having trouble getting everyone to listen. She does everything she can to make sure we all understand whatever we’re learning.” - Student
Tony Brence, band teacher: “He is kind and really enjoys his students. My son has loved being in band and learning his instrument. Even when he has a rough day, Mr. Brence is understanding and helpful.” - Clarissa Meyers
Daybreak Primary
Nikole Graves, kindergarten: “Ms. Graves is such a wonderful teacher! My son always talks about how great of a listener she is. It’s been incredible to see his growth in reading and writing and I know it’s thanks to her.” - Shylo Shrewsberry
“She has given our daughter the confidence to find her voice, a love for learning, and a sense of belonging in the kindergarten classroom. We love Ms. Graves!” - Merryman Family
Nataliya Alekseyeva, kindergarten: “Incredible teacher. Knows how to teach, very easily explains and has an approach to every child. My son goes to school with pleasure!!!!” - Alona
Sandi Brown, third grade: “My daughter says Ms. Brown is calm and kind. This is why she is a good example for our children and my daughter really enjoys being in her class.” - Kelsie Chandler
Lisel Johnson, third grade: “Even though my son has moved on to the next grade level, he still frequently talks about his third grade teacher and gets excited when she says hi to him after school. The legacy of a teacher continues on well after the kids leave the classroom, and that is Ms. Johnson.” - Merryman family
“Mrs. Johnson warmly welcomed our daughter two months into the school year. She has gone above and beyond to build a personal connection, and boy did they hit it off! My daughter genuinely cares for and trusts Mrs. Johnson. As parents we can see that it is mutual between them. It puts my Mom heart at ease sending her off to school knowing she's in such AMAZING hands during the day! Our family is truly thankful.” - Kim Fahey
Jennifer Bartel, fourth grade: “Ms. Bartel is an amazing teacher. She provides our son with structure and guidance in the classroom and leads with heart.” - Merryman Family
Glenwood Heights Primary
Lynne Berry - Fourth grade: “Que es una excelente maestra y la verdad que han ayudado mucho a mi hijo le agradezco mucho a ms berry.” (“She is an excellent teacher and the truth is that she has helped my son a lot. I am very grateful to Ms. Berry.”) - Miriam G.
Brynn Wooten (Cunningham) - Second grade: “Mrs Wooten is THE BEST! She is so organized and our son is very motivated by her as a teacher. It is wonderful to see him thrive with her as a teacher!” - Kristin Healey
Suzanne MacLachlan, second grade: “Our family has had the privilege of having Mrs. Mac for two of our kids so far, and she is amazing! She has challenged each of them in their learning and helped us see their potential in the classroom, but even more than that, she has shown them love, care, and kindness. She cares so deeply for each of her students, working hard to help them succeed far beyond just academics. She pours her heart and soul into her job and it is evident that she genuinely cares about her students. Our family has been blessed by her. Thank you Mrs. Mac!” - Allison Kimber
Linda Maddex, kindergarten: “Two of my children have had the privilege of having Mrs. Maddex as their kindergarten teacher. She is amazing! She interacts so well with this age of kids, showing love and care to each individual student. She teaches them so much about how to get along with each other, how to be respectful, and how to be kind. She works so hard to not only teach them how to read and write, but also very foundational interpersonal skills that they will take with them as they move through elementary school. Thank you Mrs. Maddex for your hard work, care, and dedication to your students! We are so blessed to have had you for two years!” - Allison Kimber
Laurin Middle School
Cathleen Butler, resource room: “Mrs Butler is a huge advocate for her students. She wants students to succeed and sets students up for success accommodating individual needs. She is prompt, friendly and a hard worker.” - Jodi Schuck
Shawn Maffeo, seventh grade: “Ms. Maffeo welcomed me warmly on the first day that helped me to relieve the nervous feeling of the first day at school. During the semester, she helps me with work and encourages me to finish my assignments.” - Han
Maple Grove Primary
Benjamin Scott, Transitional Kindergarten: “Mr. Scott really helped my daughter love school and get her interested in learning. He does a great job with TK and is so thoughtful with his weekly newsletters.” - Katie Burris
Jess Garnett, fourth grade: “Mr. Garnett is the best teacher at teaching things in various ways that allows every student to learn in his classroom! My son has really made leaps and bounds in his learning this year across the board, reading, math, science, and history! Thank you Mr. G for all of your hard work!” - Bern Young
Amy Carlson, first grade: “She has helped my daughter work through tough emotions from the loss of our dog to being too hard on herself in class. I have seen so much growth in confidence in her and I often hear Miss.Carlson's words being repeated from her in our home. She has made a huge impact on my daughter and I believe she will continue to remember the lessons and love she was shown throughout her school years to come.” - Dayjah Johnson
Katherine Simko, second grade: “Katherine is so understanding and patient when it comes to my daughter and her big emotions. She always communicates with me and responds to my messages and concerns. As a mother, it is so comforting to feel that your child's mental well being is taken seriously as well as their learning progress. Katherine shows how much she cares about each individual student and it takes a special heart to do what she does!” - Jessica Kesler
Cassie Unruh, first grade: “She has helped my very nervous, anxious child through me leaving her at school in the morning. Ms Unruh really cares about her students, she wants them all to succeed and that is very apparent when watching her interact with the kids.” - Chelsea Nelson
Jamie Griffith, kindergarten: “Mrs. Griffith is a true gem—she is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and once you get to know her, you realize how deeply she connects with both students and parents. She genuinely cares about each child’s growth and future, always offering thoughtful advice and guidance to help them succeed. Her dedication and heart make a lasting impact.” - Meghan Hill
Alex Bennett, health/fitness: “My son comes home so excited to tell us all about the body & what Mr. B has taught him. Thank you for being a positive impact in our son's teaching environment.” - Pamela Dineen
Kelly Asplund, resource room: “Mrs. A is so patient and so kind. She’s there whenever they have tough times and is there for when they just need jokes. She left notes to make them feel good about themselves. Mrs. A really cares for our children.” - Jessica Twilleager
Pleasant Valley Primary
Amy Allinger, physical education: “My daughter loves all the fun games they play!” - Unsigned
Bre Woodhouse, transition to kindergarten: “Ms. Woodhouse is incredibly communicative and non-judgmental. My son is always asking me to take pictures showing how well he did at something … so that we can show Ms. Woodhouse.” - Katie Montenegro
Prairie High School
John Faron, resource room: “Mr. Faron genuinely cares about the kids. He has been with my son for 3 years now, and has been such a positive support for him. Mr. Faron encourages kids to be their best, and helps them be successful. Not only is he an amazing educator, but he is also an outstanding human being. Prairie is lucky to have him.” - Jennifer White
River HomeLink
Alesa Corrin, third/fourth grade: “Mrs. Corrin has gone above and beyond to help my daughter grow her imagination, confidence and reading skills.” - Unsigned
Miranda Roderick, kindergarten: “Mrs. Roderick always goes above and beyond for her kindergarten class. My daughter loves to go to school and has really blossomed into an inquisitive learner with her help.” - Unsigned
Traci Donahue, fourth through eighth grade art/English language arts/history: “Mrs. Donahue is an amazing human. She is hilarious, mindful, and compassionate beyond understanding. A life-saver. From raising two Mr. Fishyfaces to replacing the llama stuffed animal after its untimely demise, Mrs. Donahue maintains silly connections, stories, and jokes with her class that last years. Stepping into her classroom is like stepping into another world and she deserves recognition.” - Rye Dilley
Summit View High School
Mary Kahler, resource room: “Mrs. Kahler's dedication goes far beyond the classroom. She recently checked in and supported my son even while on vacation. That speaks volumes about the kind of educator (and person) she is. She doesn't just teach—she cares. She lifts up both her students and their families, and that kind of support is something we’ll never forget. It takes a special kind of heart to do what she does every day. Her efforts do not go unnoticed, and her hard work is deeply appreciated—not just on teacher appreciation day, but all year long by our family.” - Sarah Brackeen
Andrea Swan, math teacher: “Ms. Swan is such an amazing and giving teacher. She goes above and beyond for each of her students and I am forever grateful for her!” - Jennifer Ingram
Tukes Valley Middle
Alison Pierce, band director: “She has done a fantastic job with these kids. She puts in a lot of time outside of class with her students and I truly appreciate her.” - Desiree Mitchell
Tukes Valley Primary
Marissa Smith, Transitional Kindergarten: “Mrs. Smith has fostered a warm and welcoming kindergarten class. She puts her students' needs first and is always available to help students exceed and learn to love school.” - Unsigned
Yacolt Primary
Tasia Markus, third grade: “She is the most caring and attentive teacher I have met. She makes every child feel important and included. She's so patient and goes above and beyond what's expected of her.” - M. Linge
Sally Washington, kindergarten: “Mrs. WA is the best of the best! She takes care of the kindergarteners like they are her own. She’s caring and kind, and is a fantastic teacher 🍎” - S. Rotschy
Kristi Adams, first grade: “Mrs. Adams has the ability and personality to light up her classroom with such excitement that my children look forward to school every single day. From the little rewards, happy spirit, and her way of teaching my kids have excelled so much in her class. She is amazing!” - Maryjane Johnston