2020 Teacher of the Year:
Amy Campbell
As a teacher of students with significant learning challenges at Helen Baller Elementary in Camas, Washington, Amy Campbell teaches in a world of possibilities. She is determined to work with educators and families to capitalize on the skills and interests of children who have historically been seen only through their disabilities. Every day, Campbell individualizes instruction through plans that focus on each student's unique abilities to help them find success and their place among their peers in the school community. Campbell is an active participant in her district's special education leadership and equity teams where she helps establish program norms and professional development and collaborates to better understand and improve services for diverse populations. In her building, Campbell is focused on supporting professional learning that addresses trauma-informed teaching and supporting students who experience poverty. At the state level, she participates in activities to improve delivery and alignment of alternative assessments. Campbell serves on the board of directors for Micah's Miles, a local nonprofit that funds unique projects that support children. Her broad knowledge of state and local services and agencies enables her to connect families with much needed support services outside of the school system. Campbell believes in the power of inclusion to ensure everyone can participate in learning together, and experience diversity as an asset. Campbell’s personal life’s mission is to change the way people see people with special needs and change the way people with special needs see themselves.