Preschool teacher named Kent School District’s Teacher of the Year

Billie Ryan-Howard, a preschool teacher at Kent Valley Early Learning Center, has been named the Kent School District Teacher of the Year for 2016.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Thursday, April 7, 2016 9:00pm
  • News
Billie Ryan-Howard

Billie Ryan-Howard

Billie Ryan-Howard, a preschool teacher at Kent Valley Early Learning Center, has been named the Kent School District Teacher of the Year for 2016.

Ryan-Howard, who also works with special needs students, exemplifies what it is to be an impactful educator with passion, patience, and fostering educational partnerships with students, parents and staff, according to the Kent School District.

She attributes her dedication to education to the positive impacts teachers had in her life when she was in school, such as her science teachers who helped foster her love of the subject when the content became difficult.

While volunteering in her sons’ schools, Ryan-Howard, who was a nurse, decided to return to school to become paraeducator. She later earned her master’s degree in education and is a national board certified teacher.

Kent Valley Early Learning Center coordinator Alice Humphres said Ryan-Howard is a leader in the building who continually commits to improving herself and mentoring others.

Kent Valley Early Learning Center hosts the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes for Kent and Neely-O’Brien elementary schools.

Ryan-Howard was one of 13 teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year in the District.

When learning she won the honor, she was at a loss for words, not expecting a preschool teacher to be the winner. However, she made it clear why she was selected with the simple statement, “I love my job.”


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property