The 2014-15 Teachers of the Year were honored late last month. The honorees are Mercer Island High School (MIHS) science teacher Larry Bencivengo, Islander Middle School (IMS) music teacher David Bentley, and West Mercer Elementary second grade teacher Trina Sherman. Craig Vanderhorn was named support staff of the year for his work as a MIHS special education paraprofessional.

“Aside from being outstanding educators, these four have also demonstrated their commitment to their continued professional growth, community involvement, and strengthening the teaching profession,” said Dr. Plano.

Bencivengo has taught at MIHS for 21 years. MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett said, “Larry is an amazing teacher who is always looking for professional growth opportunities that will benefit the learning of his students through his ongoing learning of science.”

IMS Co-Principal Aaron Miller said of Bentley, “Dave is an excellent teacher and well deserving of this award. His colleagues say that Dave has a positive effect on the school and impact on the Mercer Island community through his devotion to his students and their musical learning.”

A colleague of West Mercer teacher Sherman said, “Trina is an extremely effective teacher who is constantly improving her instruction. The classroom environment she creates is exactly that: challenging and supportive. As a teacher, I aspire to be like her!”

Vanderhorn has been praised by many of his colleagues. MIHS teacher Sue Jobe said, “Craig has worked in the field of severe disabilities for almost 25 years. It has been his life’s mission and passion. Honestly, I have met no better practitioner with people with severe disabilities over my 30 years of experience with Craig. He is able to get things out of students no one else can.”