This year, the Olympia School District is thrilled to announce that two teachers have been selected as the 2025 OSD Teachers of the Year: LP Brown Elementary School Reading Specialist Devin Alexander and Thurgood Marshall Middle School Orchestra Director Kimberly Merkley.
Both teachers learned the news during surprise after-school staff meetings. Superintendent Patrick Murphy was on hand to announce the recognition and presented the honorees with flowers while a roomful of excited colleagues cheered them on in support.
In a letter nominating Alexander as a candidate for Teacher of the Year, L.P. Brown principal Sean Shaughnessy praised her as an educator known for her “positive, can-do attitude, collaborative spirit, ability to inspire and commitment to the overall well-being of the school and district community.”
Following the award presentation, Alexander said, “I was very surprised to walk into the room and hear that I'd been selected for this honor! I thought I was showing up for a Leadership Team meeting. My surprise quickly turned to gratitude for all of the colleagues around me and the acknowledgment that this is truly a reflection of the team, not me as an individual. We have a hard-working, passionate and talented team of educators at L.P. Brown and my ability to support students and staff is based on the level of commitment around me.”
In his letter, Shaughnessy also commended, “Ms. Alexander’s dedication, innovation, and leadership are transforming reading instruction in our district. Her efforts are improving the lives of thousands of students, and she exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator. In my twenty-five years of teaching, I have rarely encountered someone as talented and committed.”
Alexander is in her 22 year of teaching and 20th year at L.P. Brown. She taught kindergarten to third grade before becoming a reading interventionist in 2009. Alexander has had the opportunity to focus her professional growth on reading instruction for the last fifteen years. “I have a great passion for aligning instruction with the specific roadblocks that some children face in their reading development so that every child learns to read, which is truly the key to their future,” said Alexander. This is the second time that Alexander has been recognized as OSD Teacher of the Year, she previously received the award in 2019.
Shaughnessy went on to share, “Her practices have benefitted the district, helping to lead widespread efforts to bring research-backed instructional methodology for foundational reading skills and correlating professional development opportunities into classrooms,” explained Shaughnessy.
Alexander shared, “As a reading interventionist, the most impactful aspects of my work fall into two key areas. First, I witness the transformative moment when students realize that their unique brains require systematic, explicit instruction and ample repetition to master the complex skills of reading and spelling. The pride they feel when they recognize their progress—despite past struggles—is truly inspiring. Seeing students embrace the fact that they are learning to read and that their brains are both capable and remarkable is a joy to witness. Second, I see the power of sharing professional knowledge—implementing research-backed instructional strategies, utilizing evidence-based curricula like UFLI Foundations, and applying a data-driven approach to tiered support. By tailoring interventions to each student's needs and persisting until every child becomes a confident reader, we ensure that no one is left behind on their literacy journey.”
In a letter nominating Kimberly Merkley for Teacher of the Year, Thurgood Marshall Principal Anthony Brock described her as an educator who “exemplifies excellence in education, in her role as Orchestra Director for six schools—Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Hansen, Lincoln, Madison, McLane, and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. She has a profound impact on students, families and each school community. Simply put, she has created a legacy of musical achievement while helping students discover their passions, embrace curiosity and develop a love for learning. A shining example of an exceptional educator, she demonstrates respect for the community, expertise in her field and a commitment to excellence. She fosters collaboration and culture-building, bridges the classroom and community, and exemplifies great leadership, innovation and engaging, effective communication.”
Merkley joined her colleagues this week in the library for an impromptu meeting. After Brock thanked and celebrated his entire staff, he turned the meeting over to Murphy, who explained the reason for the surprise and hinted at the chosen Secondary Education Teacher of the Year. When Merkley’s name was announced, she was completely shocked, covering her mouth in surprise.
“Listening to the hints, I thought, ‘Wow, it could be any of us in this room.’ We all share a deep dedication and passion for our students and school. I was quite shocked—this is seriously out of my comfort zone. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our students succeed and be recognized; I’d much rather be the one handing out the award! While leading a group of students feels natural to me, receiving an award was completely unexpected. Still, I’m grateful to represent the many great educators in this district. I see the incredible work of my colleagues across all my buildings and feel honored to be part of a team that cares so deeply for students at every level.” Merkley said.
In his nomination, Brock wrote, “Students, parents and colleagues deeply respect her. Her ability to inspire and uplift every individual she encounters is unmatched. Parents frequently express gratitude for the positive impact Mrs. Merkley has had on their students. She goes above and beyond, leveraging school resources like the activity bus to ensure every student reaches their potential. Whether helping students fine-tune their practice before a concert or supporting their craft, Mrs. Merkley opens her room after school, allowing them to get extra help before catching the activity bus home. Through her continued efforts, Kim has earned the respect of our entire community.”
Merkley shared, "The greatest joy is seeing the faces of students when they perform together. They take pride in their hard work and collaboration, feeling the success of the team as everything comes together—there’s truly nothing better! An added bonus is hearing from past students, receiving emails about their successful festivals or getting invitations to their concerts. I often receive notes from students, parents and even former students—now grown with children of their own—telling me how being part of the orchestra shaped them in so many ways. When they reflect on how our ensemble taught them teamwork, collaboration and the ability to break down problems into solvable tasks—just like learning a new piece—that is the greatest reward for me. I love my students and there is nothing more fulfilling than watching them grow into incredible adults."
Thurgood Marshall student body president Kora LaRock has been Mrs. Merkley’s orchestra student since fourth grade at Hansen Elementary. She was excited to contribute to Brock's nomination and took part in the surprise announcement. “Mrs. Merkley is my favorite teacher. She taught me to play online during COVID and even stayed after class to help me. Before I found my place in the orchestra, I had considered quitting, but her support inspired me to continue. She creates a strong sense of community, making us feel like family. As our orchestra has grown, she has handled challenges with respect and unwavering support. She is one of the kindest teachers, and I feel lucky to have learned from her all these years.”
Family, colleagues and friends joined Alexander and Merkley as they were honored during a special Olympia School Board recognition on Thursday, February 27, at the Knox Administrative Center. Congratulations Devin and Kimberly on being recognized as the 2025 Olympia School District Teachers of the Year!