Tammy Unruh, principal at Mattson Middle School, believes Jim Ulrich could teach anything.

“He says he teaches metal and wood shop, but, I say he teaches kids,” Unruh said. “He is a true professional.”

Ulrich was recognized March 14 as the Covington Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher of the Year. Educators at the 10 Kent School District buildings in Covington were eligible for nomination. He has taught at Mattson since it opened in 1981.

“I love what I do and that’s an elegant thing to say about a job,” Ulrich said. “Thank you for honoring me with this award. I was truly caught off guard.”

Unruh sent Ulrich a message to come see her. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. Then Unruh congratulated him and gave him the good news.

“I believe that the most important thing I can convey to (students) is a quality relationship between students and teachers,” Ulrich said. “Once I establish that relationship … we end up with a quality product. The kids learn. They enjoy what they’re doing and they walk away with success. When they walk away with success it builds to other classes and their future.”

Ulrich is the glue, figuratively and at times literally, which holds Mattson together, Unruh said. During the course of a school year students will come to her and offer their opinion on teachers.

“I’ve never heard any kid utter anything but kind words and praise for Mr. Ulrich and that’s tricky because we teach middle school, because you can be their best friend one day and their enemies the next,” Unruh said. “He is an absolute delight to work with and we are so fortunate to have him at Mattson.”

Reach Assistant Editor Kris Hill at khill@covingtonreporter.com or 425-432-1209 ext. 5054.