State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson announced that Susan Barnard is Washington's 2006 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a news conference this morning at Seattle's Museum of Flight.

Bernard, who teaches at Shelton's CHOICE Alternative Schools, was chosen for her ability to break through the tough exteriors of her students by rewarding their accomplishments and giving them positive reinforcement, Bergeson said.

Bernard was chosen from a list of nine regional finalists that included MaryMargaret Welch, an advanced placement biomed teacher from Mercer Island High School. Welch was the driving force behind the school's BRIDGES Program, an activities program that all students participate in twice a week to give them an opportunity to work with others outside their group of friends or grade level. Welch is known throughout the district for her skills as a science teacher and recently received the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for the state from the National Association of Biology Teachers.

The Teacher of the Year program is part of a nationwide initiative to recognize and celebrate exceptional educators. Established in Washington in 1963, the program honors one outstanding classroom teacher each year.

As Washington's honoree, Barnard will travel and speak at a number of events across the state throughout 2006. She also will represent the state in the national competition.