Retired Northshore teacher honored by McAuliffe, other lawmakers

OLYMPIA – After 37 years of teaching in the Northshore school district, Ken Mortland was honored at a Civic Education Day ceremony at the state capitol rotunda. Mortland’s career with the Northshore district began in 1970, and his early assignments at Northshore Junior High included special education and language, but he quickly settled into a full time slate of social studies classes and later became chair of the department. Mortland retired last June.

Consistently noted for engaging and involving his students, Mortland's ninth grade state history and government students often sponsored and organized public forums with candidates for legislative and local government offices, once even sponsoring a forum for Secretary of State candidates.

“Ken is an example of the very best in our teachers. The way he instilled self-confidence in and challenged his students to do their best is evident. He really connected his students with leaders in the local community as well as leaders at the state and national level, that’s an extraordinary task, and our kids need that type of interaction.” said Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell.

McAuliffe, the Senate Education Committee chair, nominated Mortland for the Washington State Civic Education Award, and was on hand to present it to him at the state capitol last week. Mortland was active in curriculum and school climate projects throughout his years as a full time educator and was active in the Northshore Education Association and the state and national education associations. He now steps in occasionally as a substitute teacher in Northshore district.

Mortland graduated from A.C. Davis High School in Yakima, Wash. in 1962.

Retired Northshore teacher Ken Mortland is presented with the Outstanding Civic Educator Award at the state capitol in Olympia. From left, Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-Bellingham, House Minority Leader Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis and Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell.

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