OSPI NEWS RELEASE: Brooke Brown named 2021 Washington Teacher of the Year, Melito Ramirez named 2020 Washington Classified School Employee of the Year

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 09/14/2020 06:27 PM PDT

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Brooke Brown named 2021 Washington Teacher of the Year, Melito Ramirez named 2020 Washington Classified School Employee of the Year

Today, in a live virtual ceremony hosted from the Old Capitol Building in Olympia, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal and Chief of Staff Jamila Thomas named Washington state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year and 2020 Classified School Employee of the Year.

OLYMPIA—September 14, 2020—Franklin Pierce School District Teacher Brooke Brown has been named 2021 Washington State Teacher of the Year, and Walla Walla Public Schools Intervention Specialist Melito Ramirez has been named 2020 Washington Classified School Employee of the Year.

“Every year we celebrate excellent educators through the Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year programs,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Though we knew it would look different this year, it is important that we take the time to celebrate the amazing work that educators like Mrs. Brown and Mr. Ramirez do every day for their students.”

Both Mrs. Brown and Mr. Ramirez will continue on to the national competition for their awards. Brown will compete for the National Teacher of the Year award, to be announced in Spring 2021. Ramirez will be the first Washington Classified School Employee of the Year to move on to compete for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award, administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Brooke Brown, 2021 Teacher of the Year

2021 Washington Teacher of the Year Brooke Brown has spent the past 14 years teaching English language arts and ethnic studies at Washington High School in the Franklin Pierce School District. She uses her classroom to create a brave, inclusive environment that allows students to show up authentically, centering their experiences and cultivating their understanding of their identity to develop empathy and compassion for others.

“One of Mrs. Brown’s strongest qualities as a teacher and person is her value of equity,” wrote Jana, a senior at Franklin Pierce and student of Brooke’s. “She brings in members of the community as guest speakers in her ethnic studies class to inspire her students to be brave and inclusive all while shedding a positive light on our community. She did a Black Lives Matter lesson for a week in our class to discuss difficult topics like racial disparities, privilege, and the other inequalities of our world today. She incorporates this in her daily lessons as well and uses literature from many diverse authors to really help us gain a better understanding of each other, our world, and ourselves.”

This commitment to equity extends beyond the classroom. Brooke is dedicated to challenging the systems she works in to improve, working to bring ethnic studies to her school and district, and serving on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee, working to develop a statewide framework for ethnic studies across Washington state.

“While it's true that Brooke is a skilled instructor, her greatest contributions to our school community has been working with our students and staff to address the challenges that result from systemic racism and providing strategies to help create equitable learning opportunities for all,” wrote Brent Whitemarsh, Washington High School Principal.

“Mrs. Brown is absolutely committed to improving equity in our education system,” Reykdal said. “From her students, who she encourages to show up authentically as themselves, through her building and district, where she teaches her colleagues, and up to the state level with the Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee – Mrs. Brown is doing the important work of advocating for educational justice.”

Melito Ramirez, 2020 Classified School Employee of the Year

2020 Washington Classified School Employee of the Year Melito Ramirez has spent the past 12 years as an Intervention Specialist in the Walla Walla School District. As an Intervention Specialist, Mr. Ramirez is sustained in his work with students facing social-emotional barriers, including depression, social and emotional concerns, substance addiction, and more. He works to support these students by building relationships, keeping communication flowing between students, their family and their teachers, and providing support to students who need help working toward graduation.

“Melito constantly reminded me that the work we do is for our people and our communities,” wrote Marilyn, a former student of Mr. Ramirez. “He always encouraged me to be my authentic self, share my truth, share my story, and be a voice for others. The way students and families talk about the trust they have in Melito is powerful, it is inspiring, and it must be recognized!”

Mr. Ramirez has a powerful ability to identify and close gaps in his community. From working with migrant families with backgrounds similar to his own, to working in a leadership position in an adult evening school that helps adults improve their English skills, study first aid, citizenship, and viticulture, Mr. Ramirez’ commitment to education is bigger than the walls of his school building.

“Melito is a leader who brings out the best in those around him,” wrote Darcy Weisner, Superintendent of Educational Service District 123. “He is a competent consensus builder among diverse groups. His objective and respectful demeanor encourage others to perform at high levels of effectiveness.”

“Mr. Ramirez embodies some of the best aspects of our schools,” said Jamila Thomas, OSPI Chief of Staff. “He is committed to his students and his community, and he is a prime example of how our school staff can provide wraparound supports for students. Thank you, Melito, for the work you do for your students.”

2021 Regional Teachers of the Year

Megan Anderson Reilly
Spanish Teacher, Washington Middle School, Yakima School District, ESD 105

Ben Ballew
English Language Arts Teacher, Arlington High School, Arlington School District, NWESD 189

Devin Bauer
Special Education Teacher, Lakeside High School, Nine Mile Falls School District, ESD 101

David Buitenveld
Math Teacher, Nisqually Middle School, North Thurston Public Schools, Capital Region ESD 113

Jacqueline Hentges
Science Teacher, Brewster Middle School, Brewster School District, NCESD 171

Erin Lark
Science & STEM Teacher, Vancouver iTech Preparatory School, Vancouver Public Schools, ESD 112

Chenoa Meagher
Kindergarten Teacher, Sage Crest Elementary School, Kennewick School District, ESD 123

David Tracewell
English Language Arts & Media Studies Teacher, Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap School District, Olympic ESD 114

2020 Regional Classified School Employees of the Year

Traicy Bernal
Secretary, Ogden Elementary School, Vancouver Public Schools, ESD 112

Karla Hill
Paraeducator, Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, ESD 105

Katie Lee
Special Education Paraeducator, Vinland Elementary School, North Kitsap School District, Olympic ESD 114

Mayela Martinez
Family Outreach Liaison, Northshore School District, Puget Sound ESD 121

Kirsten Tratnick
MTSS Paraeducator, Pioneer Elementary School, Pioneer School District, Capital Region ESD 113

Rock Witte
Maintenance & Facilities Director, Ephrata School District, NCESD 171

Robin Woltering
Paraeducator, Palouse School District, ESD 101

Erin Wood
Behavioral Health Specialist, Monroe High School, Monroe School District, NWESD 189

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Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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