2010 - Regional Teacher of the Year - Heather Rader

Heather has taught in North Thurston Public Schools for the past 12 years where she has served as a classroom teacher, school librarian and, most recently, elementary instructional specialist. Regardless of her role, Heather’s philosophy remains the same: Every child is whole. When provided the right opportunities and challenges, every student can achieve.



Heather knows that providing those opportunities often requires teachers to re-imagine their curriculum and expand the concept of classroom. Some of her creative solutions have included hosting a sub club during the lunch hour to help struggling math students catch up and using increased responsibility to discipline a student who often borrowed library books without checking them out.



She is also an expert communicator. Able to walk into a room of new teachers, squirming 4th graders or seasoned educators and engage them in an instant with her enthusiasm, warmth and genuine interest in their experiences. As an instructional coach, Heather excels. She is a master teacher and a true collaborator. Over 90% of her peer reviews report that Heather’s training has made a difference for their students, and more than one teacher has credited Heather with renewing their passion and commitment to teaching.



Her colleague, Megan Conklin, sums it up. “Heather Rader’s ability to do this challenging and important work of teaching with such skill, grace and compassion truly amazes me time and time again. Her unwavering conviction that every student deserves the best possible teacher and her devotion to making that dream a reality is an inspiration to me and to many.”



Heather’s areas of expertise include: Writing instruction and scoring, Cooperative learning, Classroom management, Instructional coaching, Marzano’s High Yield Strategies, Balanced Math Instruction