On Nov. 19, Brian Reardon, Ballard High School AP Language and Arts teacher, had a pleasant surprise when Q13 Fox showed up to award him the Teacher Appreciation Award.

Reardon was under the impression we was being interviewed about his AP classes.

On their website, Q13 provides the chance for community members to nominate teachers that they think are making a difference with exemplary teaching methods and commitment to the community.

Reardon was an obvious choice for the nomination. He teaches AP Language Arts for students opting for college credit while still in high school and organizes the BHS LGBQT group. Students who nominated Reardon said, “He is amazing with his students and understands their struggles. ... He has a great sense of humor and is super fun. The students and teachers love him and he is an all around great guy who does great community work.”