Parkwood teacher chosen as Shoreline School District Teacher of the Year

2015 Shoreline Teacher of the Year Faye Rasmussen, center,
with Parkwood Principal Ann Torres, left, and Superintendent Rebecca Miner.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Faye Rasmussen, special education teacher at Parkwood Elementary, has been selected as the 2015 Shoreline School District Teacher of the Year.

Faye has worked in the District for 32 years, all but three at Parkwood, where she teaches students in grades 2 to 4 with moderate to severe disabilities. 

Parkwood’s “blending” program is considered a model for progressive, anti-bias, inclusive education. Faye’s self-contained students spend a portion of every day with their general education peers, building friendships, knowledge, community and shared visions for the future.

“The collective culture of our school is one of acceptance and inclusion, and Faye’s blending work serves as its foundation,” said Parkwood Principal Ann Torres. “She is truly exceptional in every way.” 

“Faye’s students might communicate verbally, non-verbally, in a language other than English, or all of the above,” her nomination read in part. “They may walk with their legs or travel in wheelchairs, be compliant or regularly exhibit ‘unexpected behaviors.’ It doesn't matter to Faye. Her students are her heart, and she works to truly challenge every student to achieve their highest potential. She expects greatness from her students, and they deliver.” 

Faye mentors new self-contained teachers at multiple sites and is highly sought after for special education internships. Last year, principals observed her class as an anchor classroom for “Distinguished” teaching in the Danielson evaluation system. She partners with Shorewood teachers and students so that high school students with behavior issues can use therapy dogs to teach social skills to Parkwood special education students. Faye collaborates with district IT staff to implement cutting-edge technology for students with severe disabilities and is constantly working to increase her leadership and expertise so that she can contribute to the professional community. 

Faye was raised in Shoreline and graduated from Shoreline High School, Shoreline Community College and Seattle Pacific University. 

She will be honored at a reception at 6pm Monday, May 11 in the Shoreline Center lobby prior to the School Board meeting that evening. The community is invited. The District will honor its certificated staff during Teacher Appreciation Week May 11 to 15.

The Shoreline Schools Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and parents from nominations received from throughout the District. The recipient receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and becomes the District’s nominee for Washington Teacher of the Year.