• Classified School Employee of the Year
  • OSPI
  • Teacher of the Year
Last Chance to Submit Nominations for Teacher and Classified School Employee of the Year!

This week is the last chance to submit nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year! Applications are open until March 1. Those can be found here:

https://www.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/classified-school-employee-year

https://www.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/teacher-year

Teacher of the Year is equal parts recognition and professional development. Regional Teachers of the Year participate with their cohort in extensive training in communications, advocacy, and policy. The State Teacher of the Year serves as a teacher in residence for the Teacher of the Year program from January - June of their award year. Their district and building may be asked to release them from their primary teaching responsibilities.

During that time, the state reimburses the district and provides the teacher with the additional resources and supports they need to perform their duties without putting undue hardship on them, their district, or their students. Ideally, every State Teacher of the Year will design a plan for their travel and other duties that allows them to stay connected to their students, colleagues, and whoever is covering their classroom. 

Classified School Employee of the Year is equal parts recognition and professional development. Regional Classified School Employees of the Year participate with their cohort in extensive training in communications, advocacy, and policy. They author stories to include in the annual From Seed to Apple collection and meet with regional and statewide decision makers.

Help us honor the stars in our communities and submit a nomination before Wednesday! 

Archive

Amidst the ongoing violence and bloodshed of the Israel-Gaza conflict, we cannot ignore the countless lives lost and devasting impact, particularly to the young people ensnared in this turmoil. As a community committed to fostering peace and championing for the welfare of all, we stand together in unequivocal condemnation of violence and in our unwavering support for humanity. 

Read More about Our Stance and Promises Regarding the Israel-Gaza Conflict: Advocating for Peace and Humanity
Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Observed each year on March 21 – the tragic day in 1960 when the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on participants in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws," killing 69 people, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination remains an important one in the calendar’s attempt to fight racism and racial discrimination.

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Honoring our Education Support Professionals—This Week, and Every Week!

In education, the thousands who serve among the support professionals are an integral part of the industry and its importance.

That’s why it’s so important to celebrate their contributions each year for Education Support Professionals week, which takes place this year from March 11-15, 2024. The week was first noted for celebration in 1975 by PSE in order to salute the irreplaceable contributions of Education Support Professionals (or ESPs, for short) in the public school system.

Read More about Honoring our Education Support Professionals—This Week, and Every Week!
PSESD Presents: AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN THE AGE OF AI, with Dr. John Spencer

The AI revolution is here: How will you respond? And what AI tools can be utilized for personalized learning? Don’t miss this essential two-part event ("Authentic Learning in the Age of AI") for K-12 Educators, Leaders, and Administrators in ALL content areas, taking place on Saturday, March 30, and Saturday, May 4, 2024!

Read More about PSESD Presents: AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN THE AGE OF AI, with Dr. John Spencer
Last Chance to Submit 2024-25 Teacher/Educator of the Year Nominations!

This week is the last chance to submit nominations for Teacher of the YearClassified School Employee of the Year, and Principal/Assistant Principal of the Year! Nominate your candidates online using the Educator of the Year Nomination Form. Applications are for all categories are open until Friday, March 1, 2024 at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7127358/2023-EoY-Nominations.

Read More about Last Chance to Submit 2024-25 Teacher/Educator of the Year Nominations!
Frederick Douglass's Birthday

Frederick Douglass was a towering individual, an escaped slave who became an impassioned activist, abolitionist, and icon. However, it is an ironic fact that the brilliant Frederick Douglass would surely appreciate that while we now honor his birth date each February 14, Douglass himself was, until late in his life, not entirely sure of the date of his birth.

Read More about Frederick Douglass's Birthday
Image of Dior Davenport at our PSESD agency all staff celebration

Free Workshop for PK-12 Washington Educators
Join us for an engaging professional learning opportunity for PK–12 educators, principals, and school leaders. Focusing on computational thinking concepts and coding skills, this symposium will highlight Sphero's commitment to supporting district implementation of vertically aligned curriculum and activities that align to Washington's Computer Science standards.

Sphero Symposium (in partnership of Sphero and Puget Sound Educational Service District 121)
Date: Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Puget Sound Educational Service District
| 800 Oakesdale Ave SW, Renton WA 98057
 

Read More about Sphero Symposium
Solution Providers Spring Expo

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) and Washington Learning Source (WLS) are thrilled to invite you to participate as an exhibitor at our upcoming Solution Providers Spring Expo! This event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your company products and/or services to a diverse audience. You will have the chance to engage and build relationships with educators and potential clients.

Read More about Solution Providers Spring Expo
Solution Providers Spring Expo

Join us at Puget Sound ESD 121’s Solution Providers Spring Expo, where you can discover the latest trends and innovations for FREE! This expo is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded education professionals and knowledgeable specialists while exploring a variety of dynamic products and services.

Read More about Solution Providers Spring Expo
Local Puget Sound-Area Events for Martin Luther King Day Weekend 2024

Monday, January 15, 2024 is Martin Luther King Day — an important holiday honoring the celebrated human rights leader’s birthday. If you are seeking to celebrate King and his dream this year, there are a number of terrific arts, culture, and history events taking place across Puget Sound that are both powerful, inspirational, and family-friendly.

Read More about Local Puget Sound-Area Events for Martin Luther King Day Weekend 2024