All educators in the Enumclaw School District offer something special to their students. Among these dedicated professionals are Regina Chynoweth and Crystene Self, whose commitment to their students goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Regina Chynoweth, in her seventh year at Thunder Mountain Middle School, embodies the essence of an educator who understands that learning flourishes in an environment where students feel comfortable and engaged. With her classroom's number one rule being "Party!", Chynoweth infuses her teaching with fun and enthusiasm that ignites her students’ love for learning. Beyond the festivities, she recognizes the importance of building a strong connection with parents.
Students laughing and enjoying class in Ms. Chynoweth's room
“Some parents are really apprehensive but once I recognized that they just love their kids more than anything, I realized that is what we have in common, and we work from there,” explains Chynoweth. “I [teach] for the love of students whose lives I want to impact positively.”
At Southwood Elementary, Crystene Self is on a mission to empower her students with essential life skills. With a focus on everyday problem-solving, Self encourages her students to tackle challenges head-on by consistently asking the simple yet profound question, "What should we do about that?" Through this inquiry-based approach, Self instills in her students a sense of agency and resilience, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the world in their own unique ways.
Ms. Self and her students hang germinating seeds on windows outside of their classroom
Both Chynoweth and Self exemplify the unwavering dedication and passion that define exceptional educators. By working together with parents, paraeducators, other teachers, counselors, and psychologists, these two educators ensure that their students receive the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and physically. Their tireless efforts both inside and outside the classroom help shape the lives of their students, instilling a love for learning and a belief in their individual potential.
