Jeffrey Charbonneau, a high school science teacher at Zillah High School was named Washington’s 2013 Teacher of the Year at an awards ceremony held Monday at the EMP Museum in Seattle.

State Superintendent Randy Dorn congratulated the nine Regional Teachers of the Year before announcing the State Teacher of the Year. The event was hosted by EMP and The Beresford Company.

Superintendent Dorn praised the group saying, “Jeff and the 2013 Regional Teachers of the Year represent the best our state has to offer. These teachers are mentors, coaches, community leaders and friends. We couldn’t be more proud to claim them as Washington state’s teachers, and we celebrate their life-changing work. The selection process is rigorous and these teachers rose to the top.”

Program sponsors PEMCO Insurance, SMART Technologies, and Saxton Bradley, Inc., each have donated cash awards, technology prizes and scholarships for classroom improvements for both Charbonneau and the Regional Teachers of the Year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and The Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession have provided professional development for all nine finalists.

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