History of ESD 105 Teacher of the Year Awards
Since the Washington State Teacher of the Year was first presented in 1952, six educators from the ESD 105 region have been named Washington State Teacher of the Year: Jeff Charbonneau of Zillah (for 2013), Susan Johnson of Cle Elum-Roslyn (2009), Tamara Steen of Mabton (2004, and one of four finalists for the national award), Yvonne Ullas of Naches Valley (1998), Dan Zeutenhorst of Yakima (1977), and Robert Tormey of West Valley (1974).
In 2013, Zillah science teacher Jeff Charbonneau became the fourth educator from our state to be named the National Teacher of the Year. Charbonneau spent the 2013-2014 school year as the Councils of Chief Secondary School Officers' ambassador for education in appearances throughout the nation and overseas.
Others from Washington who have been named the National Teacher of the Year are Mandy Manning (2018, Newcomer Center teacher at the Spokane School District's Ferris High School), Andrea Peterson (2007, Granite Falls School District elementary music teacher), Johnnie Dennis (1970, Walla Walla School District high school physics teacher), and S. Elmon Ousley (1963, Bellevue School District high school government teacher). Since the program's start in 1952, Washington has fielded the National Teacher of the Year more times than any other state except for California.
For more information on the Teacher of the Year program, contact, ESD 105 Public Information Officer.
Additional information for Teacher of the Year
• OSPI's Teacher of the Year Web site