Three named teachers of the year

The 2013-14 Mercer Island School District Teachers of the Year are Mercer Island High School special education teacher, Sue Jobe; Islander Middle School world language and global studies teacher, Jan Brousseau and Island Park Elementary kindergarten teacher, Jeanne Berkshire.

June 3, 2014 5:02 pm

By Randy Bolerjack

Special to the Reporter

“Aside from being outstanding educators, these three teachers have also demonstrated their commitment to their continued professional growth, community involvement and strengthening the teaching profession,” said Dr. Plano. “I’m proud to be presenting these three for this esteemed recognition.”

The three were presented by Plano to the Mercer Island School District Board of Directors last week.

Secondary teachers are nominated by their colleagues and selected by their principals. At the elementary level, the three principals and the MISD Executive Director of Learning Services Jennifer Wright made the final selection.

John Hartman, a parent, wrote about Jobe:

“Our daughter Raechelle was a student in Sue’s class through high school. The positive impact that Sue had on Raechelle as a student and as a person will provide lifelong benefits. Having known Sue for a number of years I have taken to referring to her as ‘Saint Sue.’ Her empathy and care for others is at her core and extends well beyond the classroom. No task [is] too big or too small for Sue to take on to help others. Sue may have been one of the original 24/7 people as she always makes time and attention available to keep everything moving forward. We would like to congratulate Saint Sue for some well-deserved recognition and heartfelt thanks for being such a great teacher, person and role model to all.”

Of Berkshire, a colleague wrote: “She is an expert in early child development and learning. Jeanne brings out the unique qualities of a child. She discovers their talents and helps them grow and flourish academically and socially. Students learn that school is a fun, safe place where you learn, explore and discover your interests. Jeanne is always loving and nurturing. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for my own children.”

Another teacher wrote: “Jeanne is a teacher to all — students, staff and parents.”

Islander Middle School Co-Principal Mary Jo Budzius said, “Jan is an amazing teacher and collaborator. She has worked closely with the French teachers at the high school, aligning expectations and content so that students have similar experiences no matter when they take French 1. She serves as our English Language Learners teacher and meets regularly with the elementary and high school counterparts, helping other teachers strategize about ways to accommodate the needs of those students while supporting them and helping them to acclimate to the Islander culture.”

Randy Bolerjack is the Public information and Public Records Officer for Mercer Island School District.