And the Winner is . . . .

At a White House ceremony yesterday, Andrea Peterson was named the 2007 National Teacher of the Year. Peterson is a music teacher at Monte Cristo Elementary School in Granite Falls, Washington, and received the award for her “community focus, teamwork with other teachers, and a desire to see all students succeed.” Though it is rare for a specialist to be bestowed the award, Peterson’s superintendent said “in the case of Andrea Peterson it only makes sense” because her “music program is not a complement to our basic education program; it is an integral part of it.” Among Peterson’s accomplishments are: revitalizing the music program in her district with the addition of auditioned choirs, performances, and bands, and introducing a cross-curriculum music program.  The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).