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PSESD Announces Kim Broomer as PSESD Regional Teacher of the Year and Julie Herdt as Classified School Employee of the Year!
Teacher of the Year

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is thrilled to announce Kim Broomer from the Northshore School District as its Regional Teacher of the Year, and is also delighted to announce Julie Herdt of Tukwila School District as Classified School Employee of the Year!

About PSESD Regional Teacher of the Year Kim Broomer

Kim Broomer

Kim is a kindergarten teacher at Ruby Bridges Elementary School, where her inclusive classrooms create a sense of belonging for all of her learners. “I value creating a learning space,” notes Kim, “that acknowledges and celebrates each student’s unique identities.”

As a lead presenter and teacher in the OSPI demonstration site work to improve inclusionary practices implementation statewide, Kim exemplifies those educators who recognize the brilliance and possibility of each student and then creates conditions to help them achieve. She has created a rich and inclusive community of learning where students are valued for their unique talents and strengths, and where each student can thrive with the support they need.

Dismantling the barriers of ableism and cultivating spaces of joy for students is Kim’s heart’s work. Her love of learning and teaching stems from her mother, who ran a small in-home daycare for children through age five. For 33 years, her mom modeled the importance of connection, building relationships, and the power of a good book read aloud. Kim is delighted with her award as PSESD Regional Teacher of the Year and will use the award as inspiration to continue to be a magical force for good and justice for our youngest learners.

About Classified School Employee of the Year Julie Herdt

Julie Herdt

Prior to her work in education, Julie worked as a Health Information Manager. She discovered her passion for education when her youngest child started kindergarten in the Aberdeen School District, and she was able to volunteer in her child’s classroom. She was then asked to become a paraeducator, and she eventually moved into the Library Tech position. During her four years as Library Tech, Julie loved helping children to discover their passion for reading.

Her family then moved to the Puget Sound area, where she found her place at the Tukwila School District. She started out as a paraeducator, then moved into a position as an Assessment Specialist before spending the past seven years as a Quality Engagement Specialist for Students and Families (Elementary) for Tukwila School District.

This honor from PSESD caps Julie’s over 17 years of working in the educational field, where she continues to dedicate herself to removing barriers to education for students who are experiencing homelessness, foster care, or economic difficulty, and where she works to assist all families with basic needs (housing, food, clothing) and other resources so that the students can concentrate on academic success. Julie is an advocate for all students and families, and she has partnered with many organizations, including School House Washington, Road Map Project for Family Engagement, and Building Changes, where she has been asked to speak at many trainings to help fellow school districts on McKinney-Vento data practices and on the importance of building community relationships to help families and students. She is also a City of Tukwila Human Services Advisory Board member. Julie feels very fortunate to be able to follow her passion for helping others through her job, and will continue to work to support students and families going forward.

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