WHS educator is regional Teacher of the Year

Brian Eggleston has a one in nine chance of his face being featured on Wells Fargo ATM machines across the state.

That’s because the Washougal High School Spanish teacher has been named

Educational Service District 112 region Teacher of the Year. This advances him to the state level competition, where he is one of nine finalists.

In the past, the winner has had their image splashed across the various Wells Fargo ATM machines.

One teacher will be selected to represent Washington state in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

“My teaching rests on the belief that students learn best when we teach through activities that are engaging, worthwhile and purposeful,” said Eggleston, who has been described as enthusiastic, fun and inspiring by coworkers and parents.

Eggleston has taught Spanish at Washougal High School for the past five years.

He has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in teaching from the Evergreen State College.

He serves as chair of the foreign language department and says that his greatest accomplishment is the expansion of the WHS Spanish program from five classes to eight classes in just four years. He has helped organize several cultural events for students as well as serving as staff advisor to the Spanish Club.

“Brian’s contributions in the classroom, school and district are remarkable,” said Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Miner. “It is sometimes said that teaching is a combination of art and science and Brian is a teacher whose artistry makes the science of teaching a pleasure to observe and his students richly benefit from his talents.”

Before joining the Washougal School District in 2005, Eggleston worked as a provisional teacher in Oakland, Calif. He taught English classes in Madrid, Spain and worked as a tutor at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, and as a Spanish teaching assistant at Seattle Central Community College.

Eggleston completed his student teaching in Tacoma and Olympia.

Former Washougal High School Principal Gerry Stavney refers to Eggleston as “one of the strongest teachers I have observed in my 30-plus years in education.”

“The students of Washougal High School are fortunate to have a teacher of Mr. Eggleston’s caliber,” he said.

Superintendent Teresa Baldwin said, “Mr. Eggleston consistently provides intellectually challenging and engaging instruction for students, and it is fun to visit his classes and watch students actively engaged in learning.”

Eggleston’s coworkers describe him as a caring advocate and mentor for students.

He is currently working toward earning national board certification.