In February, we wrote, here, about one of Bellevue School District’sLilia Kol finest teachers, . Though her excellence needs no confirmation (at least for US!!!), we’ve recently found that Mrs. Kol won a Teacher Recognition Award in the 2009 Presidential Scholars Program. She was nominated by former student and 2009 Presidential Scholar, Brian Reiser, as the person most influential to his education.

Mrs. Kol just returned from Washington D.C. where the Presidential Scholars and their “most influential” teachers were dinner guests of President Barack Obama.

In an atmosphere of confusion and frustration about math reform and pedagogy and teachers that seem unprepared to offer higher level instruction to our students, Mrs. Kol stands out as a hard working, demanding yet caring educator. Her peach packets have been scaring PRISM students now for years, but as parents we know that they are a great gift of knowledge that adds so much to the basic curriculum offered by the BSD405.org. We’re excited that she’s here, making the years of school just a little more challenging, just a little more memorable, just a little richer for our kids. Thanks Mrs. Kol, and Congratulations!