The Mercer Island School District has named its teachers of the year for 2011: Kerida Millison, Julie Riccio and Sally Bartow. The teachers were nominated by colleagues and administrators.

Kerida Millison came to Island Park Elementary in 1989 and has taught almost every elementary grade level over the course of her 22-year teaching career. According to Island Park principal Nancy Loorem, “Kerida exhibits that perfect balance of deep care and knowledge of her students. She is a leader in curriculum and program development who has influenced teaching and learning across our district.”

Julie Riccio is a lead special education teacher at Islander Middle School, where she instructs students with moderate to severe intellectual/physical disabilities.

Her classroom is a warm and welcoming environment where students are encouraged to “grow into the mature, confident individuals they deserve to be.”

Sally Bartow came to the Mercer Island School District in 2002 and teaches both special education and general education courses at Crest Learning Center.

Associate principal Mark Roschy said, “She always models best practice and is willing to support any staff member to better support any student.”

District nominees will go on to the state competition for Teacher of the Year for 2012.