Bothell resident Dr. Maria Johnson was recently awarded tenure at Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC).

“Maria impressed everyone with her continued high standards of excellence and professionalism, and an obvious love of what she does,” said Dr. Sharon McGavick, LWTC president. “She is an energetic and engaging instructor who is very deserving of receiving tenure.”

Johnson has been an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at LWTC since 2001. Her Ph.D. is in international terminology and she is originally from western Ukraine. She serves on the college’s instructional council and diversity committee, and currently teaches students from more than a dozen different countries.

“I try to help students adjust to a new culture and to create a sense of community in the classroom,” said Johnson.

“I want to help my students become independent in their education and their life.”

Tenure is designed to support academic excellence by awarding permanent employment to instructors after they fulfill specified requirements.