POULSBO — North Kitsap High School teacher Peggy Dunbar and Poulsbo Elementary School teacher Barbara Pixton have been chosen as the Rangvald Kvelstad Teachers of the Year.

The two were selected by the Rangvald Kvelstad Teacher of the Year Award Foundation based on nominations from the community. Each receives $500.

The foundation is a non-profit that supports “the outstanding leadership of teachers in North Kitsap County,” according to www.facebook.com/TeacherOfTheYearFoundation. Cheryl Berninghaus, vice president of the 2015 award committee, said the basic criteria for the award are diligence, professionalism and community involvement.

Nominators are asked to explain how the teacher has demonstrated “superior ability to educate and inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities”; what special achievements the nominee has accomplished; what special techniques the nominee uses to motivate students; and what extra effort the nominee puts forth.

The foundation annually honors two teachers: one in primary education and one in secondary education.

Pixton was named the Primary Teacher of the Year.

“I greatly admire Mrs. Pixton’s ability to truly see students as individuals, clearly respecting all backgrounds and abilities,” Jan Hellenga wrote on her nomination form. “Rather than shy away from even the most difficult student situations, she strives to find the ‘keys’ each individual needs for success.”

Pixton is dean of students at Poulsbo Elementary. Hellenga, an intensive support para-educator who has worked with Pixton, wrote, “Mrs. Pixton’s special teaching techniques grow from her honest respect for her students. She builds a ‘safety net’ that helps a student want to be there. … Barbara Pixton is a valuable member of our school, our district and our community.”

Debbie Beggs, who also nominated Pixton, wrote, “Mrs. Pixton’s teaching has always been one where the students are encouraged to dig deeper for the answer, rather than just getting the answer.”

Melissa Rogers wrote of Pixton, “She sets high expectations and, time and again, her students rise to meet them.”

“You might find someone with more years of experience,” Rogers wrote, “but you will not find anyone more qualified or deserving of this award. Mrs. Pixton is truly exceptional.”

Dunbar, an English teacher at North Kitsap High School, was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Mira Beich wrote, “Peggy always encourages students to do their personal best. She connects abstract learning to concrete situations to nurture and encourage understanding, and helps students delve deeper into English and readings.”

John Davis wrote in his nomination, “In addition to motivating students, she has created a Book Talk evening, in which she matches juniors with community members after school to deepen the enrichment of a book experience.”

Debra Dyer said Dunbar “was the first teacher my son had in high school who truly challenged him to give more than the bare minimum.”

“She establishes a rapport with her students that is unmatched,” Dyer wrote in her nomination form. “She has their respect and their admiration. She expects only the best out of her students, and doesn’t accept anything less.”

Jennifer Pippin-Montanez said, “Peggy’s students describe her as caring, funny and generous. They remark on her creative assignments and engaging activities.”

“She has very rigourous academic standards,” Pippin-Montanez continued, “but also gives students a creative outlet. For example, not only does she teach about unreliable narrators, she has the students write creatively in the voice of an unreliable narrator.”