Susan Newman, has been named as the state’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Susan, who is a 5th grade teacher at Oak Heights Elementary School had been nominated by her Principal, Susan Ardissono and sponsored by VFW Post #8870. She was previously named District 1 Teacher of the Year, which qualified her for Washington State consideration. Susan was selected for this honor from nominees submitted by local VFW Posts throughout the state. Susan is being recognized for her on-going efforts to promote American history, traditions and its institutions, teach and reinforce citizenship education topics, and promote democratic values and beliefs. She is the daughter of a retired Army officer. Her passion for American history is evident in her classroom and the learning activities in which her students are engaged. For the past 20 years, Susan has been the driving force behind the annual Veterans Day assemblies at Oak Heights. These programs honor veterans as well as active duty personnel in the Oak Heights school-community and feature student participation in a variety of skits, plays, essays, poetry, and patriotic music. She also spearheads letter writing campaigns to local VA hospitals and active duty personnel. Susan has taught for over 40 years and is a graduate of the University of Alabama where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.