Deborah Fullerton, a 31 year veteran teacher from Moorlands Elementary School in Northshore School District has been given the Northshore Schools Foundation’s 2016 Innovative Educator Award. Fullerton is the third recipient of the award which is aimed at honoring to a Northshore School District (NSD) educator who has been the recipient of Foundation funding and has demonstrated innovation in a way that makes a long-term impact on student learning within the District.
She has received Foundation funding for two ongoing science projects. In 2005, the Foundation provided funding for an Indoor Grow lab that will enable first and sixth grade students to engage in a yearlong exploration of the life cycle of plants. In 2011, the Foundation provided funding for Fullerton to enhance the existing science curriculum by adding a new module that teaches sustainability through the implementation of a world based understanding of water.
“We are so honored and blessed to have tenured teachers in the Northshore district that continue to demonstrate a deep passion for you innovation and creativity in the classroom. The kids in our district have such positive role models and stimulating teachers helping spark their interest in lifelong learning,” said Teri Foose, Northshore Schools Foundation Board member.
Fullerton works beyond classroom walks to mobilize community resources to enhance the education of the students at Moorlands Elementary School. She works with organizations such as Kenmore Arts Foundation, KCLS Foundation Eagle Scouts, Northwest Harvest, Friends of Youth, Nature Vision, generationOn and Northshore Senior Center to provide students with project based learning and service leadership skills that impact both their desire to learn and their qualifications to lead.
“Education should take place beyond the covers of a textbook, and without the continued support of the Northshore Schools Foundation, we simply could not offer nor maintain innovative experiences for our children. The partnership between educators, children, families and members of the foundation clearly demonstrates the power of a village. Thank you for allowing me to be a very small part of this village and for the opportunity to work with such fine people,” said Fullerton after receiving the award.
Fullerton is a National Board Certified Teacher with endorsements in early childhood, computer science, elementary education, instructional technology, and mathematics with a specialty in working with gifted students. She is acknowledged as a Washington Alliance for Better Schools STEM Fellow, NSD Math Fellow, NSD Next Generation Science Standards committee participant and also serves as an active PTA volunteer.
Fullerton will be one of the featured speakers at the Northshore Schools Foundation annual All In for Kids luncheon to be held on April 6.
“It is exciting for us each year to read through many nominations of great examples of innovation happening in our district with our teachers, we enjoy being able to honor these teachers and recognize them for the work they do to make our students successful,” said Foose, who also serves as this years All In for Kids Luncheon chair person.
Previous Innovative Educator Award winners include Pat McCue, Bothell High School and Robert Morgan from Secondary Academy for Success.
