Reid Sundblad teaches 8th grade physical education at his alma mater, Chinook Middle School, in SeaTac. Returning to the community he grew up in, Reid works tirelessly to instill in his students the importance of lifelong health and wellness, all while having fun doing so.
In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Reid also coaches track and field and cross country, runs an afterschool weight training club in the off seasons, and is the founder and mentor of a boys group, Los Siete. For his efforts, both in and out of the classroom, Reid has received numerous accolades from various local organizations, and well as media attention for his work. He was named a "Hero in the Classroom" by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 and was named outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Highline Schools Foundation in 2018. He has been featured on local television news stations, and was the feature for a story on KUOW, all for his work with Los Siete.
Outside of the classroom, Reid serves as Chinook's health and physical education department chair; as Instructional Leadership Team member; as a PBIS team member; and on his district's secondary leadership team for physical education and health.
Reid's approach to teaching centers on building meaningful relationships that last well beyond the two years he teaches students at the middle school level. Every other week, Reid spends his planning period at the local high school where he continues his mentoring relationships with students to help ensure their success in high school. He works hard to ensure that both his past and present students are heard, valued, and respected, and that they achieve their educational and personal goals.
“Mr. Sundblad has changed the identity of a school and impacted the lives of every student that he has been able to reach,” says former student Andrew Sanford. “Chinook Middle School is a place that has reaped the benefits of having a once in a lifetime teacher who goes above and beyond in every way possible to use his resources to offer experiences to students who, without having him in their lives, would sadly maybe never get to have. In my opinion a teacher is measured on the impacts they have on their students’ lives, and Sundblad has changed the lives of many. Chinook Middle School caught lighting in a bottle with Mr. Sundblad, and any student who has the privilege to have their lives touched by him will be greater students and people.”
