Kristen Bock Named 2026 Masonic Lodge Educator of the Year

Lynden Community Transitions teacher Kristen Bock was named the annual Masonic Lodge Educator of the Year for Lynden Schools. Lynden Schools’ board of directors honored the longtime teacher at a meeting on May 14 and lauded for her dedication serving students across multiple grades, but most recently as a high-impact member of the Community Transitions teaching team. 

“Kristen has helped students successfully prepare for life beyond school,” says Rebecca Morgan, Lynden’s director of special education. “She is known for seeing and developing each student’s potential, collaborating with community partners and mentoring new teachers. Her contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and staff.” 

Bock joined Lynden in 2002 as a Lynden Middle School learning resource center teacher. She moved to Isom as a learning resource center teacher in 2014 and then changed roles to teach physical education at Isom in 2016. In 2017, she began teaching in Lynden’s Community Transitions program, which focuses on students aged 18 to 22 transitioning from Lynden’s special education department into real world environments. 

David VanderYacht, superintendent, says that Bock has proven herself as a true servant of student needs over 20-plus years with the district, something that hasn’t slowed as she shines as a vibrant member of the Community Transitions program. “Kristen serves a vital role in helping students up to 22 years old bridge the gap between high school and adult life,” VanderYacht says. “Kristen takes the time to understand each student’s strengths and uses them as a foundation for growth.” 

The Educator of the Year title comes with a $2,000 award—up from $1,500 in previous years—and Bock’s name will get added to a plaque displayed by the district. 

“Kristen consistently seeks out meaningful opportunities for students to build independence and develop real-world job skills,” VanderYacht says. “Her dedication empowers students to move forward with purpose, preparing them and their families for success beyond the classroom.”