A math teacher for 25 years, Kim will represent Idaho in the national Teacher of the Year competition.  She'll travel the state sharing her ideas and best educational practices as well as travel to Washington, D.C., to meet President Barack Obama.  NWPE Regional Director Brenda Miller presented Kim with a luncheon reception at her school, flowers and gifts.

A consummate professional, Kim believes changes need to occur to raise the professionalism of educators:

"The teaching profession in the United States is not respected. I believe we need the raise the qualifications to become a teacher to a master's level of education, and raise their salaries. Finland has a great program that has had a tremendously positive effect on the teaching profession. However, until our country respects education like other countries and financially invests in the education of our children this will not happen."

The Idaho State Department of Education shares the following biographical information about Kim:

Idaho's 2015 Teacher of the Year, Kim Zeydel, has been an educator for more than two decades, starting her career in California working with at-risk students. Today, she's a math teacher at West Ada's Meridian Academy High School. Mrs. Zeydel is a firm believer in service-oriented activities and started an Honor Society at Meridian Academy where students work with community members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer disease. Kim says she believes teaching is an art form that must be perfected on a daily basis by putting in the time and effort to constantly research and learn new teaching strategies.

Kim has received numerous awards in her years as a teacher including Meridian Academy Teacher of the Year (2008 and 2014), Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (2009), and Idaho State Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalist (2007 and 2009).

The Idaho Teacher of the Year Program, which began in 1959, is one of the most prestigious honors in the state for teachers. The program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching that has a real impact on the students of Idaho.

The Idaho Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the districts' nominees by a selection committee representing the state education leaders and lawmakers, including Northwest Professional Educators. Each school district and charter school may nominate one teacher. 

The Idaho Teacher of the Year also becomes a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers that is sponsored by Scholastic Inc.

Congratulations, Kim!  Northwest Professional Educators is proud of you and your superior dedication to students as your highest priority!

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