It’s 9:30 A.M. in Robert Hand’s Family & Consumer Science class at Mount Vernon High School. Nineteen seniors settle into their seats and everyone has an HP Notebook. Trendy music plays softly in the background, there is a string of white lights on the ceiling, the classroom lights are dim, and curtains cover the windows creating a calming ambiance. One World posters with inspirational quotes and eye-catching graphics decorate the classroom. Tea and hot cocoa are available for the students. This day the students are subdued, there is not much chatter, and the overall energy of the room seems low.
Heart in Hand – Washington State Teacher of the Year
