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David VanHoomissen ’81 named Kent School District Teacher of the Year

Education

March 14, 2019

University of Portland School of Education alumnus David VanHoomissen ’81 was named the 2019 Kent School District Teacher of the Year. VanHoomissen currently teaches sixth grade at Emerald Park Elementary school and has taught within the Kent School District for 25 years.

VanHoomissen shows support for his students both in and out of the classroom. He is a track coach at Emerald Park, a junior varsity soccer coach, and an announcer at Kentridge High School basketball games. He also attends dance recitals, music performances, theater productions, sporting events, as well as class organized outings.

“Seeing students in a non-academic arena gives you, the teacher, a stronger understanding of who your students are and what makes them tick,” VanHoomissen said.

During his time at UP, VanHoomissen acted as the Senate President of ASUP. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in elementary education. VanHoomissen was well known around campus and was frequently featured in the yearbook for his on-campus involvement, which included welcoming first year students at orientation and serving the student body through ASUP.