SPOKANE, Wash. -
Congratulations to Ferris High School's Mandy Manning, who was announced as the National Teacher of the Year early Friday morning!
CBS tweeted the announcement just after 5:40 a.m. on Friday and Spokane Public Schools confirmed it with a post on their Facebook page.
Manning teaches English and Math to refugee and immigrant students at Ferris and beat out two other finalists from Ohio and New Jersey. She also coaches fastpitch and girls basketball, advises the writing club and co=advises the Gay-Straight Alliance.
“We are thrilled the rest of the country will have an opportunity to get to know Mandy,” said Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “She is an exemplary leader in our state because of her dedication to each of her students and her love of continuous learning. We have a legacy of excellent teaching in our state that Mandy strengthens with her passion for her students.”
“Student-centered teaching is essential to my successes in the classroom,” said Manning. “Globally, we need to encourage others to explore, be fearless and embrace new experiences with compassion. I want to inspire educators and students as I have been inspired, to see potential in every voice and opportunity in every classroom.”
“Mandy is an incredible example of an educator making profound differences in the lives of our state’s students,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Her work with newly-arrived immigrant students and in support of LGBTQ teens is an inspiring reminder that in many ways a teacher's most important job is to help students feel safe and supported so they are open to learning. Congratulations, Mandy. Ferris High School’s students are lucky to have you.”
As the 2018 National Teacher of the Year, Mandy will spend a year traveling nationally and internationally to represent educators and advocate on behalf of teachers. She looks forward to sharing her belief that educators must build real human relationships inside and outside school walls to better meet the needs of students and create compassion and empathy for young people.
Congratulations, Mandy!
(story: KHQ)