Kent, WA – The Kent School District is pleased to announce that Marisabel “Sabella” Curtis is the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Sabella is currently a third-year dual language kindergarten teacher at Scenic Hill Elementary, having started as an ELL paraeducator at Park Orchard Elementary in 2021.
Sabella brings a passion for education, a love of learning, and a fostering of cultural awareness that she extends to the students in her classroom.
“I believe that every child deserves a dynamic, engaging, and nurturing environment to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” she wrote in her application.
As a dual language educator, Sabella is known for incorporating dance and rhythm into her lessons, which engages her students and helps them to connect to the Spanish language in a multifaceted way. Through hands-on projects or interactive storytelling, Sabella’s classroom is a vibrant environment where students build confidence and learn joyfully.
As one parent volunteer wrote, “It is teachers like Sabella Curtis that make students excited about learning and help parents engage as partners in the process.”
Outside the classroom, Sabella has fostered community by creating a pickleball club for staff at her school, providing opportunities for healthy activity and connection. She also led a book study with the School Improvement Team using The Sum of Us by Heather McGee, cultivating critical conversations about equity and race.
"Sabella Curtis is a shining example of what it means to be an exceptional educator. Her dedication to her students goes beyond academics—she fosters a love of learning, builds confidence, and creates a welcoming environment where every child feels valued. Her passion for dual language education and innovative teaching methods makes a lasting impact on our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Scenic Hill, and this recognition is a testament to her hard work and heart for education," said Principal Harjeet Fuller-Sandu.
Sabella was honored at a brief ceremony in her classroom last week. Members of Scenic Hill and the KSD community, including School Board Director Tim Clark and Superintendent Israel Vela, were in attendance to honor Sabella and her achievements.
Superintendent Vela shared, "Sabella Curtis embodies the heart of education—passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Through her dual language instruction, she fosters cultural awareness and pride, helping students connect with Spanish in meaningful and engaging ways. Her ability to create a joyful and inclusive learning environment is truly inspiring. Sabella’s impact extends beyond the classroom, strengthening the school community and enriching the lives of her students. We are proud to recognize her as the 2025 Teacher of the Year."
Sabella was gracious in accepting her honor. “I’m know that I’m in the right place at the right time. And every day I come in, I’m so happy, because I love what I do.”