CWU Alumna Named Washington State Teacher of the Year

October 9, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Central Washington University alumna and Cle Elum-Roslyn High School language arts teacher Susan Johnson was named 2009 Washington state Teacher of the Year Oct. 8, 2008, in Seattle. Johnson is now a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Johnson graduated from Elmhurst College in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in English, then came to Central where she earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1980 and a master's degree in English, teaching option in 1998. She serves as co-director of the Central Washington Writing Project at CWU, which is part of the National Writing Project and helps educators develop leadership skills, classroom assessment strategies and other essential teaching tools.

"Susan Johnson is the quintessential educator committed to helping students to find the power of their own voices and to connect the curriculum to lives," says Marji Morgan, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at CWU. "As co?director of the Central Washington Writing Project for over 10 years, Susan mentors teachers, facilitating their development and empowerment as teacher leaders in their own districts, in the state and in the nation.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction chose Johnson from a pool of nine finalists from across the state. Johnson's ability to engage each of her students, and to help them connect writing and literature to the world they experience every day made her stand out from the others.

"Susan has a truly holistic approach to education, and her care and compassion for each and every student who enters her classroom have enriched the lives of a generation of young people," states State Superintendent Terry Bergeson. "I am very proud to have Susan representing all of the wonderful teachers in our state in the coming year."

An assembly to honor Johnson is planned for Friday, Oct. 10 at 10:50 a.m. at the high school.

The winner of last year's Teacher of the Year award, Laura Jones, also graduated from Central, as did the 2008 Washington State High School Principal of the Year, Stacey Locke. Locke was also one of three finalists for National Teacher of the Year.

Media Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.