Woodland high school teacher wins state award

WOODLAND — Elizabeth “Liz” Vallaire was named Teacher of the Year by the Washington Association for Learning Alternatives. Vallaire is the math and science teacher at TEAM High School, Woodland Public Schools’ alternative high school. Vallaire said she particularly likes the small size of the school, which has an enrollment cap of 100 students. “We feel like a family since we all get to know each other really well, building trusting relationships through all the one-on-one time we have with each student,” she said. “I believe those relationships are part of what keeps a lot of students motivated to succeed; they know that their families, their teachers, and their peers are also invested in their success.” Her dedication was acknowledged by colleagues as a reason why the four-year graduation rate doubled from 2017 to 2018. Vallaire is working toward earning a master’s degree in education as certification to teach special education.