Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools
Learning should be rigorous and challenging—it should also be joyful. It’s why the North Thurston Public Schools 2024-25 district theme was Joy of Learning! Throughout the school year, NTPS celebrated a few of the many staff members who reflect the Joy of Learning in their work every day.
Thank you and congratulations to these NTPS staff members! We asked each honoree to reflect on what Joy of Learning means to them.
Ken Tanner
Physical education teacher at Evergreen Forest Elementary School: An enthusiastic, kind, and creative PE teacher. Ken shares:
An elementary PE teacher gets to see the joy of learning every day. For me, the Joy of Learning is best described in a few short stories:
Once, I handed a jump rope to a kindergartener and gave them one tip. They almost immediately mastered it and were wide-eyed and a bit disbelieving. I always claimed to have taught them how to jump rope, and we laughed about it for years.
Another Bobcat, one of our just-graduated 5th graders, used to wiggle almost uncontrollably as he patiently waited to be active and practice and learn.
Last year’s 2nd graders spent a lot of time with me practicing shoe tying on lacing boards. One little friend would regularly run up to me, bend down and untie their shoelaces, retie them perfectly, and crack a giant grin.
And my favorite… When I was in the classroom many years ago, a math-sharp 1st grader would come in for lessons with my 2nd graders. In June, her mom asked who she would like to have as a 2nd-grade teacher. “Well, not Mr. Tanner,” she said. “He taught me everything he knows.” She went on to the University of Washington and a Ph.D.
Crystal Magill
K-3 resource teacher at Woodland Elementary School: Designs relevant and fun lessons to build student skills. Crystal shares:
The joy of learning to me has several different elements to it. It includes making learning fun and engaging while building connections with each other. It is about sharing in the excitement of every step toward growth and helping students be proud of each and every success, no matter how big or small. The joy of learning is also about sparking that curiosity in students that makes them want to know or learn more so that they continue to challenge themselves.
Megan Nilsson-Doster
Multilingual learner teacher at Lydia Hawk Elementary School: Creates an exciting and interactive learning environment through hands-on activities, storytelling, and visual aids. Megan shares:
To me, the Joy of Learning means creating learning experiences that support students to achieve a high level of rigor by getting excited and discovering alongside the students, both the content of what they are learning (Did you know that an apple blossom becomes part of the bottom of an apple and that it is called the Callax?), and the learning process itself.
I especially see the joy in learning when students co-create and make meaning with each other. There is so much joy in the writing process, whether it be informational, opinion, procedural, or narrative. Hearing our students’ voices shine through in their writing (which encompasses their culture, strengths, values, knowledge, and interests) is so fun; what could be more joyful?
Aaron Gore
Transportation specialist: Creates a fun and positive environment on the bus. Aaron shares:
To me, the Joy of Learning means that education includes a lot more than reading books and taking tests. It involves each of our interactions as adults, in whatever role we may play in our students’ lives, to make education a joyous experience. Leading by example, encouraging with positive reinforcement, and showing sincere interest in what our young ones are interested in, by listening and interacting with them—that goes a long way in a student’s mind when it comes to WANTING to get on the bus for school, GO to class, PARTICIPATE in class, DO assignments, etc…
Knowing someone actually takes interest in them helps them find joy in learning!
Beth Belisle
Leadership and American Literature teacher at Timberline High School: Caring teacher who helps sustain a culture of positivity. Beth shares:
Change is hard for me, as I am known to be a creature of habit. I feel most comfortable within a routine I am accustomed to. Being in education has helped me to work out my “change muscle” and embrace the flexibility of learning something new. To me, the Joy of Learning means finding something that you are either interested in or enjoy doing and investing time and energy into that area. Doing so will provide you with a better understanding of its innermost workings. You can then go on to share that depth of knowledge and learning with others who may share your same passions, or those you may inspire along the way. The Joy of Learning looks like action. DOING things that help to shape who you are or who you’re aiming to become, while finding ways to enjoy the process along the way. You’re never too old to try something new!
Daveralyn Todd
5th-grade teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School: Strong collaborator who celebrates the joy of learning in her classroom. Daveralyn shares:
The joy of learning is when students take pride in their work. It’s that moment when they realize their efforts have paid off. Seeing them beam with pride not only highlights their achievements but also reinforces the idea that learning is a journey worth celebrating.
Charlie Sittingbull
Biology and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at North Thurston High School: Integrates hands-on, community-centered instruction. Charlie shares:
To me, the Joy of Learning is about curiosity, connection, and empowerment. It’s that spark when students feel engaged, when they ask thoughtful questions, when they see the impact of their learning in real life. It’s in the moments when they build relationships—with their peers, their community, and the natural world—and realize their ability to make a difference. Learning isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about fostering a lifelong sense of wonder and purpose.
Oksana Skillings
Math teacher at River Ridge High School: Brings energy and curiosity to solving difficult problems. Oksana shares:
To me, the Joy of Learning is that feeling of genuine excitement when something clicks. It’s about that moment when curiosity turns into understanding, and my math students are having the Aha! moment. It’s also about being okay with not knowing everything. I feel satisfied when students find joy in exploring something unfamiliar and following a rabbit hole just because it’s interesting, and not because they have to.
Laurel King
Envision Career Academy office professional: Brings a sense of joy to the school for students, staff, and family members alike. Laurel shares:
I feel that the joy of learning goes far beyond what is learned in a classroom. The joy of learning begins with community and a sense of belonging. Because our school draws from all three of the comprehensive high schools in our district, as well as students who were online or homeschooled, we often have students coming to us who don’t know anybody or maybe only know a couple of other students. It doesn’t take long for them to integrate into our community here, and It’s such a pleasure to watch them go from being scared of the unknown to feeling like they belong and truly want to be here. There is nothing better than seeing the joy on their face when they connect with a new friend or staff member!
Watch video examples of the Joy of Learning in action throughout the 2024-25 school year.
