WHEREAS, Jay Maebori has been named the 2011 Washington State Teacher of the Year; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori began teaching language arts at Kentwood High School in Covington, Washington, in 2001; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori received his Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Washington in 1994, and his Master's degree in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University in 2003; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori is a National Board Certified Teacher; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori also teaches courses at Kentwood High School that are designed to assist students who have failed to meet state education standards, and 80 percent of Jay's students later succeed; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori is known to utilize current events, pop culture, and music to help his students relate to the subject matter; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori has initiated an e-newsletter that he sends to the parents of his students to keep them informed and educated about their children's progress, and encourages his colleagues to develop their own parent communication plans; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori believes that teachers observing other teachers and pooling the knowledge, skills, and expertise of all is the best way to improve schools in Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori believes that listening to his students and their concerns is the key to successfully reaching and inspiring them; and
     WHEREAS, Jay Maebori is an ambassador for education both statewide and across the country, sets a shining example for his peers and colleagues, and is a credit to the teaching profession as a whole;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Jay Maebori, sophomore language arts teacher at Kentwood High School in Covington and 2011 Washington State Teacher of the Year; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Jay Maebori and his family, the Kent School District, and Kentwood High School.