Woodinville Third-Grade Teacher Named Teacher of the Year

Tammy Gunderson of Woodinville’s Wellington Elementary School has been named the Kidd Valley 2013 Teacher of the Year.

After reviewing hundreds of nominations from kindergarten through eighth grade students, who sang the praises of their favorite teachers, Gunderson came out on top.

A surprise classroom presentation last awarded the Wellington teacher with her grand prize of $1,000 (double from last year in recognition of the contest’s 10th anniversary).

Madison Van Avery, a third-grade student from Wellington Elementary School, nominated Gunderson. She was recognized for using humor and creativity to develop assignments, reports and art projects that are fun for her students along with being genuinely interested in their likes and talents by encouraging and rewarding good behavior.

Gunderson's third-grade class received certificates good for a Kidd Valley Kids Meal and admission tickets to Imagine Children's Museum in Everett.