HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4654, by Representatives Jinkins, Kilduff, Sawyer, Muri, and Fey

WHEREAS, Nathan Gibbs-Bowling of Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington is one of four finalists for the 2016 National Teacher of the Year award; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling teaches Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement Human Geography; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling was the recipient of the Milken Educator Award; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling was named Washington State Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling's commitment to service extends outside the classroom and into the community as mentor for the College Success Foundation, in which he built strong relationships with Lincoln High School alumni and organized college campus tours; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling is also a founding member of the Teachers United organization, which advocates for equity, excellence for teachers, and a voice for teachers within policy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling's students have said that he continually pushes them beyond their limits and inspires them to never rest on their achievements; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling's principal described him as "not only a remarkable teacher, he also makes those around him better and improves the quality of the entire school"; and

WHEREAS, State Superintendent Randy Dorn has stated that "He represents what works in schools and classrooms. He listens more than he talks. He cares about his students and their experience"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling exemplifies the caliber of Washington's best educators; and

WHEREAS, Despite his accomplishments, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling said in an interview, "There shouldn't be awards for this. All I want to do is change lives";

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the outstanding service of Mr. Gibbs-Bowling as a teacher at Lincoln High School, as a community member of Tacoma, and as a nationally recognized educator of Washington state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Governor of the State of Washington, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the school board of the Tacoma Public School District, the superintendent of the Tacoma Public School District, and Mr. Nathan Gibbs-Bowling of Lincoln High School.