Bellingham and Lynden teachers honored with Whatcom County Educator of the Year awards
Whatcom County celebrated its Educator of the Year awards on May 16, honoring Riley Liddle and Dave Tjoelker for their outstanding contributions to education. Liddle, known for his enthusiasm for robotics, teaches career and technical education at Squalicum High School. Tjoelker has spent many years at Lynden Christian Middle School before transitioning to the high school, where he teaches Bible classes and language arts. Each educator received a $5,000 award from Brown and Brown Insurance during a ceremony in Lynden. The event also recognized seven other nominees, showcasing the commitment of local educators to their students.
This recognition underscores the vital role that passionate teachers play in shaping the future of their communities. The awards serve to inspire other educators and highlight the significance of technical and specialized education in schools. Engaging students in subjects like robotics prepares them for future careers in technology and engineering.