Salmonberry School will introduce its newest faculty member Tom Rawson to the Orcas Island community at an open house for all elementary grades to be held on Monday, April 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. An open house for ages three to six follows on Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Rawson, pictured at right, brings 25 years of teaching experience both at the independent Little School in Bellevue, Wash. and at Seattle Public School District’s Summit School.  He will teach Salmonberry School’s primary grades class, where he will bring his passion and skill as a master literacy teacher.

“Tom is someone I have known for years, having met him at several regional conferences, where I attended workshops, which he led,” said Salmonberry Program Director Paul Freedman. “I am thrilled that he has chosen to relocate to Orcas Island to join the Salmonberry School teaching team at this stage of his career.”

Rawson has visited the island many times to give concerts, as he is also a professional singer/songwriter and storyteller.

“Tom has taught week-long classes in ukulele-based music and storytelling at Salmonberry’s summer camps for the past two years,” said Freedman.  “You cannot help but to feel warm and welcome in Tom’s presence.”