Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

 02/18/04

NEWS RELEASE
School Board of Directors to Recognize
Gildo Rey Teacher Adam Couch

On Monday, February 23, the Auburn School Board of Directors will recognize Adam Couch, Gildo Rey Elementary School fifth grade teacher and principal intern, for his passion for serving children.  Mr. Couch has been in public education for just four years, but he has had an incredible career already.  In 1995, after graduating from Cashmere High School, he attended Central Washington University where he earned his undergraduate degree in education and teaching certificate in 2000 and his master degree in 2003.  “I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of youth when a coach and teacher made a difference in my life,” said Mr. Couch.  During his first three years with Auburn School District, he taught fourth grade at Gildo Rey Elementary.  His classrooms were highly diverse and Mr. Couch’s dedication to teaching effectively with all his students made a significant difference for students.  In 2003, he began teaching fifth grade and participating in a principal internship with mentor, Gildo Rey Elementary School principal, Robin Logan.  Ms. Logan praises Mr. Couch, “Adam Couch has all the attributes of a natural leader - affability, character, and skill.  He has made many significant deposits into the lives of the students and staff at Gildo Rey.  This year he worked with Green River Community College to help expand our campus visit to include a parent night and backpacks and T-shirts for the kids.  He is the first elementary instructor in the nation to adapt the leadership curriculum of the Capturing Kids Hearts program to the elementary level.  His leadership class develops confidence, character, and basic leadership skills for 25 of our promising fifth grade leaders.  He is also the amazing Captain Kindness and is seen flying across the playground looking for positive behavior.  Mr. Couch is active on the district’s science committee, coaches basketball, and chairs the building’s Capturing Kid's Hearts and discipline committee.  He has that amazing capacity to hold students to very high standards of behavior and academics with a motivational style that makes learning and school fun.  He is a gift to the staff and students at Gildo Rey.”   Mr. Couch and his wife, Joy, a first grade teacher at Alpac Elementary School, are expecting their first child in June.  

For more information, contact Superintendent Linda Cowan at (253) 931-4914.