Illahee’s Paul Wezeman Selected As First Federal Way Teacher of The Year
In 41 years – 39 of them in Federal Way - as a teacher, mentor, administrator and more, Paul Wezeman has taught all subjects but more importantly, has ignited a love of learning in countless children.
For those who work with him, those that nominated him, and even those beyond his immediate circle of colleagues, it was gratifying to see him receive the first-ever Federal Way Teacher of The Year Award from the Communities in Schools of Federal Way. Glowing recommendations from current and former students, supervisors and parents filled the application packet - including one from former FWPS student Jefferey Wong, current Stanford University student and Roosevelt Institution Research Fellow on Educational Policy.
“Mr. Wezeman helps to give students self-confidence and self-esteem, and makes his students, who would otherwise be apathetic, conscious of their own brilliance,” Mr. Wong said. “Teaching is more than making students book-smart; it’s about lighting a fire underneath students to make them active, happy and curious about the world. That is the miracle.”
At Illahee, Mr. Wezeman has founded both the chess club and the math club. He has led staff development days, served on district committees and even volunteered his time to coach beginning teachers at Illahee. But, above all, he is a “kid-centered” teacher, Illahee Principal Stacy Lucas said. “I have personally watched struggling students (academically and/or emotionally) be transferred into his class and leave as successful students, with good grades and a positive outlook on life,” she said, adding, “Like a dog whisperer, he heals students. Like Dr. Phil, he counsels parents. Like someone’s hero, we all look up to him.”
In announcing Mr. Wezeman’s selection at this year’s Literacy Breakfast, former FWPS Superintendent Tom Vander Ark and his wife Karen, who serves on the Communities in Schools of Federal Way Board, noted that their family had likewise experienced the magic that Mr. Wezeman creates in the hearts and minds of his students. Mr. Vander Ark said that, some years ago, one of his own children was placed in Mr. Wezeman’s class at the now-closed North Lake Elementary. He described a child who struggled academically until experiencing Mr. Wezeman’s instruction. “He changed her life trajectory,” Mr. Vander Ark concluded.
“Nothing great is accomplished without enthusiasm,” Mr. Wezeman said in accepting the award. “So I always demanded enthusiasm from my students, and (as a result) I learned more from them than they did me.”
“Sometime in the near future, Paul will decide to retire,” Ms. Lucas said. “I joke with him often about how I am not going to accept his retirement letter. Mainly, this is because I know he is irreplaceable.”
Congratulations to Mr. Wezeman and to the 18 other nominees for Federal Way Teacher of The Year. Each and every one of the nominees is an outstanding representative of the instructional experts in this district. Schools which selected nominees this year:
Adelaide Elementary
Brigadoon Elementary
Decatur High School
Enterprise Elementary
Federal Way High School
Lake Grove Elementary
Lakota Middle School
Mirror Lake Elementary
Olympic View Elementary
Saghalie Middle School
Star Lake Elementary
Thomas Jefferson HS
Todd Beamer: Northwest College Preparatory Academy
Todd Beamer: School of Business & Industry
Todd Beamer: School of Global Leadership & Economics
Todd Beamer: School of Math/Science & Health/Fitness
Twin Lakes Elementary
Wildwood Elementary