Exuberant and enthusiastic are the first words most use to describe Linne Haywood. She is passionate and fervent when she discusses her students…or a book…or a lesson. She is genuinely excited about being an educator and finds it difficult to contain her zeal. Linne has taught in the Darrington School District since 1999, first as a substitute and then full-time. In 2005, Linne was asked to implement and head an alternative learning environment, helping students retrieve credits and attain their diplomas after dropping out of high school. She took on other duties, teaching more and more classes, and after five years in the alternative program, she became a full-time classroom teacher. In 2010, she started teaching a leadership class and became ASB (Associated Student Body) advisor. She coaches volleyball, is a senior class advisor, and is the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying officer for her district. In addition, she is the building representative for her local union and leads professional development for the high school staff. This year, she partnered with ECC to teach two College in the High School courses, offering her students dual credit with the high school and the local community college.
Linne is an avid volunteer and is the president of the local North Counties Family Services Board of Directors. Quick to say "yes", Linne believes that one should "bloom where they are planted" and she is planted and blossoming firmly in the little hamlet of Darrington. Linne and Rick Haywood have four incredibly smart and sassy children, all grown up and all with high school diplomas from Darrington High School. Linne says that one of her greatest joys was being able to have her own children in her classroom, and she honors that opportunity with other people's children on a daily basis.
Linne is a finalist in the Washington State Teacher of the Year nomination process. The Washington State Teacher of the Year will be announced in Olympia in September 2017.
How is the Teacher of the Year selected?Washington's educational service districts each select a Regional Teacher of the Year. The state selection committee chooses one of these Regional Teachers of the Year as the Washington State Teacher of the Year. The committee uses the written application, interviews, and a mock keynote to decide which candidate best exemplifies the Teacher of the Year criteria:
- The teacher has the respect and admiration of their colleagues.
- The teacher is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
- The teacher collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
- The teacher deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
- The teacher demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.
- The teacher expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
What does the State Teacher of the Year do?
- Represent the state at all required National Teacher of the Year events including several national leadership conferences and the national recognition week in Washington, D.C.
- Serve as the Teacher-in-Residence for Washington's Teacher of the Year program January – June.
- Respond to and fulfill Teacher of the Year speaking requests, presentations, etc.
- Sit on the Washington Teacher Advisory Council (WATAC) leadership team and help plan the spring convening.
- Identify and take on at least one statewide initiative and carry out activities to support it.
- Design and carry out a personal communication plan to include a social media and web presence, traditional media strategy, and other publications.
- Network with teacher preparation programs across the state.
http://www.k12.wa.us/EducationAwards/TOY/
photo credit Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction