The Second Step® Educator of the Year Awards honor K–12 educators nationwide for their exceptional impact on social-emotional development and building positive school climates
With a strong emphasis on student well-being and teacher resilience, outstanding educators like Rebecca Keithley are being recognized for their influential contributions to the social-emotional development and well-being of students.
Global nonprofit and leading social-emotional learning provider Committee for Children has selected Rebecca Keithley, Paraeducator at Coweeman Middle School, as one of the 2024 recipients of its distinguished Second Step® Educator of the Year Awards.
As the only award of its kind in the industry, it honors educators who are setting new standards in social-emotional practices that support academics and drive meaningful, lasting change in their school communities.
Keithley was selected for her demonstrated ability to build a supportive learning environment where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Her work implementing Second Step programs, the leading research-based social-emotional learning curricula for Early Learning through Grade 12, has supported students in developing critical life skills, well-being, and academic success at Coweeman.
Award winners were celebrated at Committee for Children’s Second Step Educator of the Year awards ceremony, which premiered on the Second Step YouTube channel on November 7, 2024, at noon. They will each receive a $500 honorarium, recognition at the Second Step Educator of the Year awards ceremony, and a LinkedIn digital badge.
“Social and Emotional Learning is essential for helping our students thrive, both in school and in life,” said Keithley. “By equipping Kelso kids with the skills to understand themselves and connect with others, we are setting them up for success today and as future leaders in our community.”
As a Second Step Educator of the Year award winner, Keithley joins a prestigious list of K–12 educators supporting children’s development of essential life skills — like communication, perseverance and problem-solving — that will support success in the classroom and throughout their lives.
Keithley has been a valuable part of Kelso School District since 2012 when she was volunteering at Butler Acres Elementary. She then became a paraeducator at Rose Valley Elementary where she ran The Social and Emotional Center (TSEC). In 2020, Keithley transferred to Coweeman Middle School, where she has been running The Social and Emotional Center, known as the COUG Cave, ever since. She is also the secretary for Kelso High School Cheer Boosters, PSE-1 Union Secretary, and Co-President for the class of 2028 parent boosters.
“Rebecca is, and has been, the calming voice and contact for many a Coweeman Cougar over the years,” said Rob Birdsell, Coweeman Principal. “She has created an environment in the Coug Cave that is inviting and calming. Her communication with families, staff, and stakeholders helps to maintain a welcoming atmosphere where students feel heard and connected. We greatly appreciate all of her hard work.”
For more information about:
- Social Emotional Learning in Kelso School District
- The Second Step Educator of the Year Awards: secondstep.org/eya24
- How Second Step programs help educators make a difference in the lives of students: SecondStep.org
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world. When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).
About Committee for Children
Committee for Children is a global nonprofit dedicated to helping children everywhere thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. The organization has been working in partnership with educators and families for 45 years. Visit cfchildren.org to learn more.
About Second Step® Programs
The Second Step family of programs includes social-emotional learning curricula for Early Learning through Grade 12, along with offerings for out-of-school time and adults. Used in over 45,000 schools nationwide, Second Step programs reach 26.9 million children annually. Visit SecondStep.org to learn more.