Bellevue School District panel highlights teachers’ role in belonging and student-led learning ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week

On a Bellevue School District podcast episode ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, district leaders and classroom teachers praised educators’ role in fostering student belonging and described supports and professional development that they say help students succeed.

In the conversation, Eva Collins, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said the district’s strategic plan — "we belong, we learn, we lead" — places belonging first so students can engage academically. "You can't have the we learn or the we lead until the we belong is taken care of first," Collins said, arguing that teachers create inclusive classroom environments by meeting students where they are.

Anna Haddlstedt, a nationally board certified teacher, described the board certification process as a rigorous, voluntary, multi-year effort that requires classroom-based portfolios and videotaped teaching. "These teachers complete four components, and three of them are classroom based where they are also filmed teaching...putting your teaching practice up against the highest set of standards," Haddlstedt said, adding that Bellevue has "a little over 300" nationally board certified teachers and ranks among the top districts by percentage.

Amber Anderson, who works in curriculum development, framed effective teaching as grounded in knowing each student’s starting point and planning the next steps. "The craft, the magic...comes from knowing our students and thinking what experiences will get them from where they are now to the next logical step," Anderson said, describing student-centered planning and problem-based instruction as examples.

Panelists also described supports beyond the classroom, including instructional mentors, educational service agency (ESA) staff, school nurses, counselors, MHAC counselors and speech pathologists. Collins noted those staff members "connect with students and build those bonds" in spaces where students may feel more comfortable than the classroom.

The episode included a roster of schools honored by the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2023–24 year: Bennett, Cherry Crest, Clyde Hill, International School, Jing Mei, Lake Hills, Medina, Somerset and Woodridge. A podcast break noted that the recognition is awarded to roughly 16% of schools statewide.

Speakers shared concrete suggestions for teachers and parents dealing with classroom challenges: pause to clarify the problem, seek colleagues and specialists for support, and spend intentional time connecting with children at home. "When you take a moment and pause...we tend to have a better, more reflective answer," Anderson said.

The episode closed with panelists thanking instructional mentors and the Bellevue Schools Foundation for 21 years of support for National Board Certification stipends and related resources. Collins, Haddlstedt and others urged educators to lean on one another and celebrated teachers who pursue advanced credentials and daily classroom practice.

The podcast functions as a district message of appreciation and information; no formal actions or policy decisions were announced during the episode.