The North Kitsap Teacher of the Year Foundation announced its selections for the 2010 Teacher of the Year award at the June 10 meeting of the North Kitsap School Board.

Jason Koontz, a teacher at Suquamish Elementary School won the primary level award, and Jack Simonson of North Kitsap High won at the secondary level.

Koontz teaches fourth grade at Suquamish and was selected for his innovation and creativity as well as his hands-on teaching style and ability to make every moment a teachable one.

Simonson teaches English at North, where he has been on the faculty since 2003. His classes range from Advanced Placement to an English support class for struggling students. He has also designed and implemented new curricula at the school.

Nominations for the Teacher of the Year awards were submitted by students, parents, teachers and other community members. The winners were chosen by a committee of three community members. The award includes a monetary grant derived from a permanent endowment created by local contributions. Teachers at any school, public or private, within the geographic area of the North Kitsap School District are eligible to receive the award.

Nominees this year included: Jean Bowden, North Kitsap High; Kelley Daniels, Wolfle Elementary; Mel Gallup, Gordon Elementary; Melinda Hughes, Poulsbo Middle School; Robin Sommerfelt, Academy Northwest; Lisa Steger, Poulsbo Middle School.