U.S. history, gov’t teacher celebrated for her work ‘getting everyone on board’
OLYMPIA – These grateful lines from one of Kristina Wilkinson’s former students best capture the distinctive skills – in fact, yes, let’s go ahead and call it the quintessential professionalism of this veteran Timberline High School social studies teacher:
“Geeking out with Mrs. Wilkinson over the Supreme Court before and after school, and discussing rulings and their consequences are some of the best conversations that I had in high school. She helped fuel and shape my love for law and government.”
— Natalie Roberts, THS Class of 2006
No wonder at all then that Wilkinson was recently named one of the state’s three Civic Educators of the Year. State Rep. Sam Hunt, himself a former teacher and school board member, nominated Wilkinson for the recognition. Hunt joined legislative colleagues on Feb. 23 in celebrating her work and career.
“Kristina Wilkinson is everything that a teacher should be,” Hunt said, “She’s exactly what’s great in education. And she’s exactly why teaching is so very important in getting everyone on board the civics train.”
Wilkinson, who is in her 13th year teaching at Timberline, said that “it’s an honor and a privilege to be recognized as a Civic Educator of the Year for our state. I truly enjoy and cherish each day that I work with my students to enlighten their curiosity, and to help establish the importance of active participation in our democratic republic.
“As civic educators,” she continued, “we get a chance to teach our future generations about the powerful impact they can have on society.”
Wilkinson teaches social studies classes, including United States History and Advanced Placement Government. She has served as the Timberline Interact Club Adviser for the past 10 years.
Wilkinson adapted the Advanced Placement U.S. Government curriculum to draw students into the political process, including helping her students celebrate their 18th birthdays by registering to vote. Her class is best described as a training ground for informed civic action.
Timberline’s Wilkinson was saluted as part of the recent Civic Education Day festivities at the state Capitol. Displays and discussions detailed programs promoting civic education and reviewed the history of various organizations and current activities.
Legislators are petitioned by constituents in their districts through recommendation to select a nominee for Civic Educator of the Year. The recommendation is forwarded to a legislator for consideration, and then the legislator makes a formal nomination to be considered and voted upon by the Civics Education Consortium. The Consortium consists of folks from various state agencies, departments and independent organizations committed to civic education.