Jodi Hammond, a fourth-grade teacher at Nooksack Elementary School, is getting some well-deserved recognition. A local insurance company is kicking off the inaugural Brown & Brown Excellence in Education Award Program and has nominated six teachers from across Whatcom County as finalists for the $5,000 award. 

The award solicited nominations from the public before selecting the six finalists. Hammond, who has taught fourth grade for the last six years, received support from a nominating parent. “If I could have Mrs. Hammond as my son’s teacher for every year of his elementary school career, I would do it in a heartbeat,” the parent wrote. “She is the most shining example of what a difference a teacher can make in a child’s life, in a family’s life.” 

Hammond says that being nominated for making an impact in the life of a child is more than any teacher could hope for. “Each day, we prep, teach and work hard to build a community in our rooms and building where students feel challenged, loved and encouraged,” she says. “Most days are about persistence and perseverance as we put in the hard work of showing up daily to practice, learn and grow. Then there are times when we get the great privilege of seeing connections being made and how being present affects the lives of those around us. This award feels like one of those incredible moments.”

The six finalists are invited, with the public, to an ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at the Jansen Art Center. The winning teacher will be announced during a presentation that starts at 5 p.m.