Elementary and middle school instructors have been named 2025 co-teachers of the year by the Olympia School District (OSD).
Devin Alexander, Reading Specialist at LP Brown Elementary School, and Kimberly Merkley, Orchestra Director at Thurgood Marshall Middle School were honored at a special recognition ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27.
The district’s principals and assistant principals nominated the teachers, said Conor Schober, Director of Communications & Community Relations, in an email to The JOLT News.
“The nominations come from the administration (Principals or Assistant Principals) at our building and must be 1,000 words or less in length,” Schober said.
Scott Niemann, Executive Director of Human Resources, said the selection process started with educators describing how their school’s candidate exemplifies certain qualities, such as earning the respect of their community, demonstrating deep knowledge of their field, and communicating engagingly and effectively.
A screening committee then reviewed all of the nominations. Once the decision was finalized, the recipients were honored with a surprise announcement during a school staff meeting, surrounded by colleagues.
LP Brown Elementary School Principal Sean Shaughnessy introduced Alexander, stating she identified a significant gap in the primary reading curriculum and spent her summer researching and revising the curriculum under the University of Florida Literary Institute (UFLI) Foundations.
“Devin Alexander is one of the most creative and innovative educators that I've ever had the privilege of working with. As a reading specialist at LP Brown, she's consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that students in our school and across the district receive the highest quality reading instruction,” Shaughnessy said.
Alexander has worked with the district's Teaching and Learning Department to pilot the UFLI Foundations program, ensuring all OSD teachers and students could benefit from a more comprehensive reading curriculum.
“I want to thank Sean for being open to all of my ideas and also having the background and expertise in from his prior teaching career to know the importance of how we teach our youngest readers,” Alexander said.
Alexander explained that there is no excuse for children to enter fourth and fifth grade without being able to read.
“We all know the statistics. We know how vitally important that is, and that can make or break the whole future life of a kid,” Alexander said.
Thurgood Marshall Middle School Principal Anthony Brock introduced Merkley, stating she is an "instrumental educator" not only to Thurgood Marshall Middle School but to five elementary schools as well — McLane, Hansen, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Madison.
“She has a profound impact on her students, our families, our entire community. Simply put, she has created a legacy of musical achievement while helping our students discover their passions, be curious, and love learning, which is one of our district outcomes,” Brock said.
Merkley brings Thurgood Marshall’s student orchestra to the elementary schools to share their talents and highlight the younger pupils’ probable future, added Brock.
Brock added that parents usually send emails on how grateful they are for Merkley and how she utilizes school resources to support student activities, such as leveraging buses for concert performers, which in turn motivates the students to excel.
“Mrs. Merkley is a teacher that inspires me. She inspires me to serve our students, and it is simply an honor to work alongside you, to work for you, and support our students,” Brock said.
Merkley thanked the administration for coming to every concert and supporting her in every way.
“I am so thankful for our administration. They're always working. They come to every concert. They support me in every way,” Merkley said.
“And then … my students … I love my students, and you know they bring me joy every day. And my colleagues always have my back … thank you for just allowing (me) to share my love of music with all of your students. I love it,” Merkley added.
The teachers now move on to the selection for regional teachers of the year, to be selected by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) during the current school year.
If selected, the next stage would be the state teacher of the year, which is done in summer or early fall.
“Regional honorees participate in a written application, virtual interviews, and a short keynote presentation. The state superintendent announces the state teacher of the year in late fall,” said Schober.
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