Fort Vancouver High's Rivard a Teacher of the Year nominee

(AP) — Sitting among a class of seniors at Fort Vancouver High School, Bethany Rivard listens to one of her students recite a heartbreaking poem about the private agony of one of America's most beloved entertainers, the late Robin Williams.

Moments later, Rivard stands at the front of the classroom, reading aloud an autobiographical poem written by one of her students from the perspective of Malcolm X. The scene epitomizes what the job is all about for Rivard, a 40-year-old English teacher and one of nine finalists for this year's Washington State Teacher of the Year Award.

After nearly a decade teaching at the school, Rivard is trying some new tricks, adopting a discussion-based teaching style called the democratic classroom.

In adulthood, Rivard's passion for social justice drew her toward environmental law, but it was those experiences with all her siblings that led her to become a teacher instead.

In her time at Fort — a school where more than 30 languages are spoken and nearly 80 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches — Rivard has found a place to put her passion for social justice to work.

In the past decade, Rivard has served as an adviser for a number of student groups, most notably the Gay/Straight Alliance, Spoken Word Club and MEChA, an organization that promotes preparedness for college among Hispanic students.