WHEREAS, The National "Teacher of the Year" Program focuses public attention on teaching excellence and is the oldest and most prestigious awards program for teachers; and
     WHEREAS, This year, 2008, the city of Granite Falls is home to the nation's "Teacher of the Year"; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson is the music teacher at Monte Cristo Elementary School in Granite Falls, Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson is the 57th National Teacher of the Year; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson was born Andrea Rahn in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, on August 20, 1973; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson graduated from Onalaska High School in Onalaska, Washington, in 1991; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson received bachelor's degrees in music education and arts music and graduated cum laude from the University of Washington in 1996; and
     WHEREAS, In 2001, Andrea Peterson became Washington's first National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Music; and
     WHEREAS, The Granite Falls School District has benefitted from Andrea Peterson's commitment to student learning since 1997; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson served as the General Music and Chorus Teacher and Band Director for Monte Cristo Elementary, Granite Falls Middle School, and Granite Falls High School from January 1997 to August 1999; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson's efforts in the Granite Falls music program led to a substantial increase in the number of students participating in music programs; and
     WHEREAS, Due to the devotion of Andrea Peterson, both the elementary and secondary school music programs have gained the funding necessary to provide students with the equipment needed for the investment that is a strong music education; and
     WHEREAS, The Granite Falls School District continues to benefit from Andrea Peterson's emphasis on music as an integral part of basic education by developing a cross-curriculum program that expands on lessons taught in other classes such as English, math, and science to enhance general elementary education; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has been honored as the Washington State "Teacher of the Year" in 2007, Granite Falls School District "Teacher of the Year" in 2003 and 2005, Granite Falls School District "Certificated Employee of the Year" in 2004, and received the Granite Falls School District "Success in Education" Award in 2001;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington, on behalf of all the people of this state, recognize and commend Andrea Peterson for her many accomplishments that have culminated in her selection as the National "Teacher of the Year" and her contributions to the education system, and her ongoing service to Washington's children; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Andrea Peterson.