Sami West
Online Editor/Reporter
About
Sami West joined KUOW’s web team as an Online Editor/Reporter in 2025.
Before that, she spent two years covering education at KUOW, reporting extensively on mounting financial challenges in Seattle Public Schools and districts across Washington state. Her coverage also centered on growing concerns about violence in and around schools, teacher shortages, the youth mental health crisis, and the countless ways Covid continues to affect schools and families, among other topics.
Previously, she wrote about education for Chalkbeat in Memphis, Tennessee, and two newspapers in Wisconsin.
A Midwesterner at heart, Sami originally hails from Minnesota and holds degrees in journalism and English from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Location: Wisconsin
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: she/her
Professional Affiliations: Education Writers Association
Stories
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WA teacher turnover hits new high as students struggle to recover from pandemic disruptions
The number of teachers leaving Washington state classrooms has hit a nearly four-decade high.
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Seattle Public Schools notifies employees of potential layoffs
As Seattle Public Schools grapples with a $131 million budget deficit, layoffs appear to be imminent.
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Here are the 3 schools Bellevue is recommending for closure
Bellevue School District administrators have recommended Ardmore, Eastgate, and Wilburton elementary schools for closure under a potential consolidation plan presented to the school board Thursday.
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Seattle students, teachers rally for more ethnic studies and counselors in schools
Some students and educators are pushing Seattle Public Schools to require ethnic studies and Black history classes, increase funding for school counselors, and keep police out of schools, among several other demands as part of Black Lives Matter at School week.
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Seattle, Shoreline families rally to save school arts programs amid budget cuts
As school districts across Washington prepare for budget shortfalls next school year, families are rallying to save arts programs and other electives that may be on the chopping block.
