News & Information

Bellingham High School science teacher Jamie Yoos has been named as the 2010 Regional Teacher of the Year by the Northwest Educational Service District (ESD) 189. He is one of only nine teachers in the state being considered for 2010 Washington State Teacher of the Year.

Yoos was selected as the 2008-09 Districtwide Certificated Staff Member of the Year during the district's annual award process earlier this spring.

Yoos has taught at Bellingham High since August 2004 where he currently instructs students in honors chemistry, Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry and bicycle maintenance/indoor cycling for fitness. 

Students, parents, teaching colleagues and supervisors have found Yoos' teaching inspirational and innovative. "[Jamie's] commitment to academic rigor, willingness to enhance programs and dedication to students is unparalleled,'' says Bellingham High principal Steve Clarke. 

Recent BHS graduate Claire Rachor is in full agreement. "Mr. Yoos has the most passion for the subject he teaches and brings fervor and compassion to every class.  He is very diligent and has an industrious work attitude...The time in his class is always precious and I do not ever remember wasted time," Rachor says.

John Hoffman, a teaching colleague and head of the BHS science department, summarized Yoos' remarkable teaching in a letter of support for his nomination: "Jamie's pedagogical innovations are helping today's students to excel in concept, acquisition and mastery.  Some of the most abstract ideas are transmitted by Jamie's careful attention to lesson design, experience and accountability.  He shines in both the amount that students are held accountable while simultaneously finding themselves supported," writes Hoffman.

Earlier this school year, Yoos and fellow teacher Joe Balsiger were featured in the Inside Schools community newsletter (see p. 4) for their work in engaging students using chemistry podcasts.