Birchtree’s Sloan-Basner named district’s BP Teacher of the Year

The Mat-Su Borough School District BP Teacher of the Year is Diana Sloan-Basner at Birchtree Charter School in Palmer. She teaches students from kindergarten to sixth grade and has more than 30 years of teaching experience Sloan-Basner also receives a $1,500 grant for continuing education.

According to a news release, the BP Teachers of Excellence program recognized 29 Alaska teachers, including five from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Since the program’s inception in 1995, BP has recognized nearly 750 teachers for their dedication to teaching and inspiring students. This year, the program attracted 1,000 nominations. Each teacher receives a $500 gift card and a $500 matching grant to their school.

“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”

Now in its 22nd year, the BP Teachers of Excellence program honors K-12 teachers from all school districts statewide, including public and private schools.

The BP Teachers of Excellence from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District are:

Diana Sloan-BasnerBirchtree Charter SchoolZack LanphierMat-Su Career and Technical High SchoolDolores McKeePalmer Junior Middle SchoolLaura WickMachetanz Elementary SchoolSean WilliamsSherrod Elementary School