Madison Huscher reaches new heights as region's teacher of year

The La Conner Middle School Rock Climbing Club sponsor is also rock solid in the classroom.

Madison Huscher, whose carefully crafted science lesson plans take students beyond the traditional boundaries of textbooks and lectures, has been named the Northwest Educational Service District 189 regional teacher of the year.

The award recognizes Huscher's outstanding commitment to teaching and her many contributions to the educational community.

As a regional winner, Huscher will compete against finalists from other educational service districts across Washington for state teacher of the year recognition.

La Conner Schools administrators weren't surprised to learn of Huscher's selection.

"Maddie is a dedicated teacher with a passion for place-spaced learning, outdoor education, mastery-based learning and student achievement through relationship building," Middle and High School Principal Christine Tripp told the Weekly News Friday.

"We're lucky to have her," Tripp said. Huscher is completing her third year here.

Superintendent Will Nelson agreed.

"Ms. Huscher is a forward-thinking teacher who is continuously looking to improve her craft so her students have the best learning experiences," Nelson said.

Nelson noted that her teaching style is designed to empower students to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they reach their full potential.

"With this approach," said Nelson, "Ms. Huscher has effectively personalized her instruction, catering to the unique needs and abilities of each student in her classroom."

Tripp and Nelson said that Huscher embraces outdoor education and the success it brings to student learning. Examples of her place-based learning excursions include recent student visits to the Kukutali Preserve State Park on Swinomish Reservation, the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Washington Park and Lake Padden.

Praised by NWESD 189 officials as a "gem in the educational landscape," Huscher is lauded by her school colleagues for having both subject matter expertise and creating safe spaces where students can freely express their thoughts and feelings.

Her dedication to employing exemplary teaching practices to ensure enriching learning experiences for students impressed NWESD 189 organizers of the regional teacher of the year program.

As a regional award winner, Huscher will be able to deliver trainings and workshops at NWESD and can be invited to serve as a trainer or speaker in regional school districts.

And as a candidate for state teacher of the year accolades, Huscher is a finalist in a program overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that honors teachers who make significant impacts in the lives of students.

Nelson attested to Huscher's inclusion among nine regional winners considered for the elite statewide distinction.

"Ms. Huscher has effectively personalized her instruction," Nelson said, "catering to the unique needs and abilities of each student in her classroom."

Huscher was featured on Seattle's KING 5 TV June 2.