Anchorage Daily News

JUNEAU -- Robert Williams, a Colony High School math teacher, was named 2009 Alaska teacher of the year on Sunday.

"He inspires with his optimism, his belief that every student can succeed, and his talented use of diverse teaching strategies to meet the needs of each of his students," Larry LeDoux, Alaska Commissioner of Education & Early Development, said in a statement.

Williams has taught for 21 years and has been at Colony in Palmer for the last two. He teaches algebra, geometry and advanced placement calculus.

Williams has a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a master's degree in math education from Columbia University, and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

He also has taught at Palmer High, Houston Jr./Sr. High and Nome-Beltz High. He has mentored 19 beginning teachers in Nome, Savoonga, Gambell, Palmer and Wasilla though a program sponsored by the Department of Education & Early Development and the University of Alaska.

His term begins Jan. 1.

Helen "Ellie" Sharman, a K-2 teacher at Gustavus School, was named alternate Alaska teacher of the year for 2009.

Alaska's teacher is a nominee for the national teacher of the year. The national winner will be recognized in April

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