information from Western Washington University

Western Washington University alumna and Ballard resident Natalie Reeder was recognized as an outstanding graduate by university faculty. Each spring, every department at Western names a single graduating student as its Outstanding Graduate.  

Reeder graduated from Western in June with a bachelor's degree in general science for elementary education.  

At Western, Reeder served as the president of the WWU National Science Teaching Association student chapter and presented her work at the Washington Science Teachers Association conference. She served on Woodring College’s Equity and Diversity Community and co-created the Students for Public Education advocacy group. She also worked as a student teacher in a fifth grade class at Cascadia Elementary School in Ferndale, where she was recognized by other fifth-grade teachers in the district for her contributions to distance learning. 

After graduation, Reeder hopes to teach in a K-5 classroom setting where she can continue to pursue her passion for education reform and social justice in teaching.  

Reeder, a graduate of Ballard High School, is the daughter of Nancy Reeder and Thomas Reeder.