Blaire Penry, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Electives Teacher at Auburn Online School, has been named the 2024 Washington State Teacher of the Year.
Penry will move forward to the national competition for her award. She will compete for the National Teacher of the Year award administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Both winners will be announced in Spring 2024.
“Each year, it’s an honor to recognize and celebrate several of our incredibly talented and dedicated educators,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “Blair is an excellent example of some of the best parts of our public school system in Washington. She supports and cares for the individual needs of each and every one of her students and creates learning spaces that are welcoming, engaging, and inclusive.”
Penry has supported K–12 students for 7 years, both as a teacher and as an education leader. In her current role at Auburn Online School, she teaches CTE courses and electives in leadership and the arts to students in grades 9–12.
“I believe that Mrs. Penry is an outstanding teacher,” said Jekyla, one of Penry’s students at Auburn Online School. “The way that she shows her students how much she cares about them and the energy she brings to the classroom every day, constantly making you want to be there, is amazing.”
Auburn Online School, which serves approximately 270 students in grades 1–12 in the Auburn School District, was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an inaugural faculty member at the school, Penry contributed to designing a curriculum that uses new and varied technology to engage students.
“Blaire is especially skilled at building engaging, student-centered learning communities, providing consistent and caring guidance, and elevating students’ positive sense of self,” said Nola Wilson, Principal of Auburn Online School. “In every learning experience she facilitates, her students drive and lead the learning.”
Penry has also created and led professional development trainings for Auburn Online faculty teaching grades 1–12. As an active member of the Auburn Equity Leadership Academy, she promotes culturally responsive practices throughout the Auburn School District.
“Working with faculty has helped me deepen my own understanding of culturally responsive practices and incorporate techniques for staff to use immediately to make sure their classes are culturally welcoming and that students are affirmed in their cultural connections,” Penry said. “The impact for our students is that they experience being in a learning environment that encourages curiosity, believes that mistakes are a necessary part of learning, and supports them on their path to success.”
