Student letter sways judges

When a television film crew and Star 101.5 radio personality Corine McKenzie walked into Joan Jacobson’s Kibler Elementary School classroom Friday morning, it was hard to tell who was more surprised – the veteran second-grade teacher or Madison Oliva, the student who nominated her for the Seattle radio station’s Teacher of the Week honor.

“I am totally overwhelmed,” Jacobson said. “I am totally surprised. I am blessed to have these kids.”

“She’s a great teacher,” Madison said.

For about 15 minutes there was a flurry of activity as each of Madison’s classmates received a bag filled with cool stuff. Among the items was a T-shirt stating “My teacher is Teacher of the Week,” which sent kids scrambling to pull them over their heads and strut around the classroom.

To add to the commotion, Jacobson received a check for $100 from the Washington State Employees Credit Union and a personalized plaque. The event was set to be featured later Friday afternoon on KOMO-TV and also on Star 101.5 radio.

Jacobson was one of 12 teachers nominated during the past few weeks, which gives her a one in 12 chance at winning a trip to Boston to see Taylor Swift and Keith Urban in concert.

In her letter to the radio station, Madison said Jacobson sometimes lets the class go outside and she switches around class subjects like reading, math and writing.

“She is the best best, greatest teacher in the universe (that means ever),” Madison wrote.