Teacher Appreciation Week 2023

Yolanda Woods is a truly caring teacher that listens to the students and meets them where they are at. In addition to the powerful relationships she builds with students, she is also one of our most adventurous teachers that is always pushing to learn something new herself or find some new strategy to try with her students.

Ms. Robinson will tell you that she’s not the best with technology. However, she never lets that stop her from reaching out to the VILS Coach to help integrate engaging technology in her classroom. She is always willing to try something new to benefit her students and increase engagement in social studies!

Kayley Hawkins has immersed herself in our campus culture. She brought many strengths with her. She has merged her talents with ongoing professional learning opportunities to benefit her team and ELAR department. Her efforts have been brilliant in student voice/choice in her classroom, spilling over to her Destination Imagination club. Students love working with her. The relationships have sparked more interest, creativity, continued growth.  Ms. Hawkins is one reason why our systems continue to grow.

Janell Pate gives it her all when working to infuse tech. She will work to learn a new program if she thinks it will engage students better but can also use the digital resources she is familiar with to mix things up for the students. From blended learning escape rooms, to game show type quizzes, to station rotations – she does it all. When a tech lesson doesn’t go as planned, she works to reflect and adjust as needed. She provides student opportunities for them to give feedback, track, and rate their own progress as well.

Marcela Gongora is committed to improving her instruction and student learning in new, innovative ways. Dr. G. is constantly looking for ways to bring real-world science into her classroom and collaborate with outside partners and scientists. Her commitment is unwavering and her excitement for her craft is inspiring.

Emma Osei uses devices in her French classes to promote student engagement, collaboration, and interaction. She uses Padlet to check for knowledge, as ice-breakers, as a way to check prior knowledge, and at the end of the unit to assess learning. Students can write or add audio to practice their French and then can use the Padlet to engage in peer review where other students comment on their classmates’ responses.

Regina Franklin consistently fosters her instructional growth and edtech skills by participating in professional learning opportunities. The tech tools and platforms she integrates in her instruction continue to promote student choice and voice.

Michelina Pugliese was hesitant at first to integrate technology into her teaching at the start of this school year, and now she has gone above and beyond to collaborate with me on student projects that highlight best technology practices.

Sarah Bassinger incorporates technology into her lessons daily, which helps students access her lessons. Using technology, she differentiates lessons for varied learning levels and language proficiency. She creates recordings for her ESOL students to understanding readings and assignments, which are accessed through technology.

Charlie Fox is always willing to try new things in his classroom in order to utilize tech, engage his students, and reach all types of learners. He is reflective of his practice and never gives up. If it didn’t work the first time, Mr. Fox will reflect, revise, and try it again.

As AVID site lead, Matia Brittman works with all departments to help ensure our students are working toward future-ready goals. She connects with students very easily. Students love Ms. B! She has a can-do attitude and she 200% supports student tech teams, students becoming leaders, and our campus becoming a better place for students. Teachers like Ms. B are the reason we continue to be successful.

Marta Prieto goes above and beyond to infuse a global perspective into science education and connect our students with others around the world. Mrs. Prieto communicates regularly with teachers from her home country, Spain. She has leveraged the iPads to create virtual penpal opportunities for our students and those in chemistry classes with her colleagues in Spain. This global view of STEM education is unique, creative, and how the real work of science is done!