James Van Stralen of Bellevue’s Chinook Middle School has been named the 2014 Kidd Valley Teacher of the Year.

Van Stralen received a giant check for $500 good for a gift certificate for class supplies and a commemorative plaque. In addition, the class of the nominating student will receive a coupon for a free Kidd Valley Kids Meal and admission tickets to Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett.