2021 NWESD Classified Employee of the Year
Tammy Oommen, Paraeducator at LaVenture Middle School
in the Mount Vernon School District
Mrs. Oommen has worked in the field of education for over 27 years. As a paraeducator to middle school students, Mrs. Oommen promotes cultural diversity within the student body and is an active community member outside of the classroom as well, serving as co-president of the classified employees union and volunteering at a local theater for young adults and the local food bank.
“We are very pleased for Tammy to receive this recognition. Based on all the great things we hear from her school; it is no surprise that she was selected. Tammy’s good character, work ethic, and kind demeanor set a great example for our classified employees and all staff. She is a role model for all of us.” – Ismael Vivanco, Superintendent, Mount Vernon School District
“Tammy Oommen has been serving LaVenture students for over 20 years — with kindness, wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love. She is the best of the best.” – Dave Riddle, Principal LaVenture Middle School
“We had a lot of nominations for this award and Tammy rose to the top. She is constantly working to improve her craft in education to support all students.” – David Forsythe, Assistant Superintendent Operations NWESD.
The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes excellence in the work of public-school employees, including paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, and others. Anyone may nominate a classified public school employee for this award, which is overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). All completed nominations are sent to the regional coordinator at each Educational Service District (ESD); the regional winner is selected by committee. Ms. Oommen is one of nine regional winners who will go on to compete for the State Classified School Employee of the Year award.
After advancing on to the statewide competition, regional finalists will be recognized by OSPI at an annual award ceremony in Olympia (date TBD), where OSPI will announce their selection of the State Classified School Employee of the Year. For more information on these awards, contact OSPI Recognition Coordinator, Hilary Seidel, at 360-725-6117.
About the NWESD
Located in Anacortes, the NWESD is one of nine Educational Service Districts in Washington State. The NWESD serves 35 school districts in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and San Juan counties, providing leadership and cooperative services to the educational communities in the northwest region.
Contact
Jessica Owens, NWESD Communication Specialist | 360-299-4714
