Sunday, March 29, 2009

Kimizuka Named WA-AFA Teacher of Year

Jodi Kimizuka, a 5th grade teacher at Vaughn Elementary School in Vaughn, Washington has been named the Washington State Air Force Association Teacher of the Year for 2008. Rick Sine & Jodi Kimizuka

The award is given to recognize classroom teachers at the state level for their accomplishments and achievements in exciting K-12 students about science and math and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies. One of her projects involved an interactive "talk" with the International Space State Exhibition 18 via Galaxy Theatres.

This is a unique opportunity to recognize special teachers who are furthering excellence and making coming to class an adventure.Jodi had previously been named the Teacher of the year for the McChord AFB Air Force Association (AFA) chapter and has been awarded an AFA $250 Educational grant which she will use to purchase telescopes for use in her classes.

She was presented the award on February 12, 2009 by Rick Sine, AFA Washington State President at a meeting of the Peninsula School District Board meeting. In his remarks at that ceremony, Rick mentioned Jodi’s enthusiasm and excitement for math and science and her efforts to use them in all of her teaching activities with her class.

The award was accompanied by an AFA State Teacher of the Year Jacket, an AFA membership and a check for $500 which Jodi has said, will be used to offset some of the cost of transportation for a school trip to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

1 comment:

Mimi Jansen said...

A hearty congratulations to Jodi! While my three sons have gone to Vaughn elementary and were a few of the many who clamored to be in her classes, they did not have the fortune to actually be in her class, to all of our regrets...

From volunteering at the school I have heard students remark on how they became better learners, indeed, better PEOPLE after being in Ms. Kimizuka's class~~I cannot think of better reasons to honor such an outstanding teacher.