News

The North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) has selected Malia Renner-Singer as the 2020 regional Teacher of the Year.  

Renner-Singer is a Social Studies and AVID teacher at Cascade High School in Leavenworth. She has been in education for 18 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Whitman College. She was selected by a committee from a pool of nominees submitted from throughout the four-county NCESD service district. 

In addition to teaching duties, Renner-Singer implemented the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Cascade High School. A national program offered at more than 6,000 schools, AVID supports students in their college dreams and targets students who may be first-generation college attendees, face financial need, or may be traditionally underrepresented at the college. The program at Cascade High School is now in its fourth year and over 80 students currently participate. 

“It is a great honor and privilege to be named NCESD Teacher of the Year. As a Civics teacher, I am always looking for ways to connect my students, their families and cultures to the governing process. I am grateful because I know what my purpose is- to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of my students and their families. In turn, this means a direct positive impact on my community,” she explained.   

Renner-Singer was selected by a committee from a pool of nominees submitted from throughout the four-county NCESD service district.  

“The choice was very difficult because of the outstanding caliber of candidates.  But, Malia’s focus and passion for her students was very clear.  Her love and gratitude for teaching was evident and her commitment to her students is inspiring,” explained selection committee member and NCESD employee Sariann Meredith. 

Each ESD in Washington State selects a regional Teacher of the Year, who go on to compete for state honors. The State winner serves as a spokesperson and representative of teachers at the local, state and national levels. Camille Jones, a teacher from the Quincy School District was selected as the 2017 Washington State Teacher of the Year.