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The Association of Washington Business (AWB) will recognize Dr. Terry Bergeson, Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, for her dedication and work to implement our state’s basic education reforms. She will receive one of the Association’s “Heavy Lifter Awards” at the annual policy summit on Sept. 22 – 24 at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo.
AWB President Don Brunell said it is unusual for a public official to receive this award. Only former state House Speaker Clyde Ballard, Governor Gary Locke and Locke’s chief of staff Fred Kiga have received this award in the past.
Bergeson, a Massachusetts native who earned her doctorate at the University of Washington and once served as Superintendent of the Central Kitsap School District, continues to support charter schools and full implementation of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) – positions which often put her at odds with the Washington Education Association (WEA).
Bergeson was elected WEA president in 1985. In 1993, she was appointed executive director of the Washington State Commission on Student Learning. As executive director, she was charged with developing statewide standards for students, as well as a series of tests students must pass prior to graduation. Those tests became known as the WASL. Bergeson served as executive director until 1996, when she ran for and was elected as state superintendent of public instruction. | 
