Wilkes Elementary School second grade teacher Ian Eisenhood was selected by the Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club as its 2010 Educator of the Year.

The annual award program honors an educator who has made extraordinary efforts toward improving the education of Bainbridge Island children. Besides recognition, the award includes a $500 check to the honoree and an additional $500 for his or her school.

Beth Balder, Kiwanis president, will present the award to Eisenhood at the club’s breakfast meeting on June 16. Community members are invited to attend the 7 a.m. meeting, which will be held at Wing Point Golf and Country Club.

“Eight different parents, grandparents and classroom volunteers nominated Ian,” Balder said in a press release. “His teaching strategies infuse pupils with the joy of discovery, and his many ways to involve parents in their children’s education are particularly noteworthy. The overwhelming, successful effort he has made on behalf of our children certainly makes him an outstanding award recipient.”

Some of the many comments made in support of Eisenhood’s nomination include: “He is ‘that teacher’ students will most likely remember fondly as the one who first ignited a spark, cultivated an interest, and nurtured a sense of confidence.”

“Ian’s lessons and projects generate enthusiasm for independent learning.”

“He is caring, funny, insightful, and turns lessons into enjoyable learning.”

“He teaches students about sustainability and worked on weekends to build every class in the school a raised bed in which to grow vegetables and flowers – using this as an opportunity to learn about and discuss plant life and nature.”

“Light bulb moments frequently occur in Ian’s classroom.”

“Our student has hit the education jackpot.”

“Can you help us get the guy bumped to the third grade next year?”

Other nominees were Sean Eaton of Woodward Middle School; Terri Atkinson and Todd Erler of Sakai; Derrick Lovelace and Charista Moore of Bainbridge High School.

Eisenhood has been a teacher for five years, all at Wilkes. He and his wife Kelly have a 3-month old son, Koen.