CWU Alumna Wins Above and Beyond Award

Central Washington University graduate Anna Hatlestad (’00) was named the winner of the 2022 Above & Beyond Award, an accolade that recognized her for being an outstanding educator.

With the past few school years being a whirlwind of virtual, in-person, and hybrid classes which left teachers to educate and nurture their students in any way they can, the Above and Beyond Award was created to honor teachers who believe in the true spirit of teaching by making their classroom–whether it be on screen or on paper–a creative, fun, and safe place for kids to learn.
 
Local residents were encouraged to share experiences with their favorite teachers who deserve recognition, and one, in particular, stood out: Medina Elementary School's Anna Hatlestad.
 
"Anna has been a Tier 1 teacher at Medina, easily in the state, and for sure in the country, for decades,” said Medina parent Lynnee Taylor. “She keeps a cheerful attitude and has high academic standards for each student. Anna is clearly a role model not only for teachers but for our community. She deserves having this recognition and much, much more!"
 
Hatlestad leads teaching the primary content for all 32 fifth graders. She also teaches a combined fourth and fifth-grade class alongside two other combined fourth and fifth classroom teachers. But she doesn't let her students or their parents see her sweat–she maintains a positive environment for everyone involved. Even when Hatlestad was quarantining with COVID herself, she made time to check in on families while a substitute taught her class.

“I graduated from CWU in 2000 and walked into teaching with the foundational skills and beginning knowledge needed to start my career,” said Hatlestad. “CWU provided me with a strong start and here I am 23 years in education and still going strong.”
 
Hatlestad gives each and every one of her students the time and attention their learning requires. Whether that is in boosting test scores or just giving students a funny fact to come home with, Hatlestad makes learning fun and productive–meeting her students where they are.
 
She is admired by not only her students and their families but her colleagues as well.

"Anna's communication with families on behalf of student success creates a deep sense of partnership for parents in their child's educational journey," said Medina Elementary School Principal, Laurie Harvey.
 
Hatlestad has strengthened the Medina Elementary School community through her style of teaching that emphasizes realness and trust.

"Anna's fidelity to authentically represent the voice of peers complements her collaboration with building principals," said Vice Principal Ashley Kardos. "Her leadership has supported strong, trusting relationships among all of our Medina educators."
 
Hatlestad has fostered a community of inclusion, communication, and academic success inside the classroom and beyond.

Greet West Bellevue(link is external), a magazine formerly known as Points Living, and Steven and Fredda Goldfarb of local Bellevue business Alvin Goldfarb Jewelers each pledged $500 for a scholarship, amounting to a $1,000 award.
 
"We are so excited to co-sponsor this award," said President of Goldfarb Jewelers, Steven Goldfarb. "Both Fredda and I had teachers who dramatically impacted our lives as young people. We know from personal experience what a difference they make. And, we know that great teachers strengthen and invigorate our schools and our community. We thank and congratulate all the nominees and those who took the time and effort to nominate them!"

Original story by Meghan McLaughlin
Additions from Robin Burck
Photos by Jackie Phairow

March 2023