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Washington State University
College of Education

2019 Advocate for Education Award – Steve Rasmussen

Introducing Steve Rasmussen

Steve Rasmussen’s proven record of going above and beyond to propel education for the state of Washington, as well as his lifetime advocacy for students, parents, and educators is why he has been named the WSU College of Education’s 2019 Advocate for Education.

Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Sciences and Agriculture Education and his master’s in Vocational Technical Education from WSU. His time in Pullman didn’t stop there as he completed his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Supervision at WSU.

Steve was the superintendent for the Deer Park, Franklin Pierce, and Issaquah School districts. Throughout his 40-year career in the educational profession, he found himself involved in many professional organizations at local, state, and national levels where he took on numerous leadership roles.

Steve is currently on the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees and has been since 2005. He also has been on the WSU Foundation Scholarship Committee since 2011.  He has been a member of the Horace Mann League for 22 years, serving as the 2009 National President and filling various other roles in committees and the executive board over the years.

He has been a member of the American Association of School Administrators and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) for 40 years. During that time, he took on several roles within both organizations. He served as the WASA State President, Superintendent Component Chair, and Moderator for the National Conference on Education, to name a few.

Some of Steve’s awards include:
  • American Association of School Administrators Distinguished Service Award “For Exemplary Leadership, Service and Commitment to Education which has Brought Honor to the Profession” (2015)
  • Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Leadership Recognition/Award, 2013
  • Washington Association of School Administrators Regional Student Achievement Leadership Award, ESD 110 (2013)
  • Washington State School Directors’ Association “Board of Distinction” Issaquah SD (2008-2012)
  • Washington State School Directors’ Association “Board of the Year” Franklin Pierce SD (2004-20050
  • AASA National Superintendent of the Year Finalist (one of four in the USA) (2002)
  • WASA Washington State Superintendent of the Year, Franklin Pierce School District (2002)
  • The Horace Mann League Ambassador Award for “Service Supporting Public Education in US” (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012)
  • University Council for Education Administration Excellence in Leadership Award, nominated by Washington State University (22 awarded nationally) (1998)