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Valerie Vickery, 4th Grade Teacher, Renfro Elementary, K-6 Grades
Nominated by Stephanie Vanderford
Val's calm and positive demeanor makes her classroom run like a well-oiled machine. She understands the need for kids to be kinds, while also holding them to high expectations. Mrs. Vickery's students fell safe, respected, and seen by their teacher, and learn a lot in the process! She has a positive relationship with her peers both within and outside Renfro Elementary School. She's always willing to help a teacher out, and share her knowledge of curriculum, skills and procedures. Val understands the demands of the profession, and finds ways to support other teachers through creation of resources, brainstorming ideas, or collaboration.
Val is a master at multitasking. Observe her for just 10 minuets and you'll see her manage multiple behavior charts, giving verbal and nonverbal feedback, responding to a hand signal, and managing technology programs -- all while teaching a new concept to a group of 28 students of ranging abilities. Val truly believes in inclusion, and goes out of her way to ensure her students with IEPs are learning the same content as her general education students. They are all "her kids," and she differentiates for each student seamlessly.
Val has always been a natural "tech" teacher. She spends time teaching students how to code, and even allows them opportunities to code robots! Fun activities like this take time, knowledge and dedication - all of which Val embodies. She spends time in the evening and on the weekends to create and tweak her lessons to they match where her students are in the learning progression. Val also goes beyond the call of duty to stay up-to-date on current trends in education. She engages in professional development to enhance her practice not only during the school year, but throughout the summer. Her students are incredibly lucky to have such a knowledgeable teacher.
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Anna Gualdoni, US History and Government Teacher, CHS, 7-12 Grades
Nominated by Katherine Marchetti
Mrs. Gualdoni has demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to student success. Lessons are well-planned, engaging, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of the class. She has arranged student seating to encourage participation, helping students feel confident and motivated in their learning. Her students actively participate in class activities and show a willingness to learn and improve. Their respectful behavior and cooperation with one another contribute to a positive atmosphere. The relationship between Ms. G and her students is built on mutual respect and trust.
She brings a positive energy to the workplace, encourages others, and approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Her attitude crates a more enjoyable and supportive work environment. Throughout our time working together, she consistently demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Ms. G communicates clearly and listens carefully to other's ideas, which makes collaboration smooth and effective. Her ability to stay organized and focused helps the team complete tasks on time. She is always prepared, punctual, and ready for whatever the day brings. Ms. G plans lessons carefully, communicates clearly, and treats all students fairly. She sets clear expectations, maintains appropriate boundaries, and serves as a positive role model through her behavior, attitude, and appearance.
Ms. Gualdoni has raised the bar when it comes to classroom activities. In US History, she turns her room into trenches by using trash bags and student chairs. She hands out rations (meat sticks and crackers) and reads a firsthand story written from the trenches in WWI. In her government class, she has a breakup letter strategically placed under a student's chair. She has the student read it out loud then confesses she wrote the letter. It's the American colonies breaking up with King George. These are just a few examples of how she goes above and beyond to help her students engage in the curriculum. |
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Courtney Howard, Educational Assistant, Dorris Intermediate School
Nominated by Julia Giacoletto, Leslie Angerer, Amy Buller and Carystyn Jones
Ms. Howard is respected in our classrooms. She builds rapport with our students in the hallway at morning arrival, during PE when she participates with them, and in class. Courtney is truly excellent in her rapport with students. She maintains a proactive "go-getter" attitude and ensures every students is equipped for success.
Ms. Howard is highly respected in our team. She puts into place whatever decisions we make as a team and honors it. She is always the first person on our team to see a need and quietly take care of it. She's organized and pitches-in without being asked. All staff members can see how hard she works and know she's dependable.
Courtney always maintains professionalism. She will refrain from engaging in negative behaviors and always speaks positive things of others. She consistently goes above and beyond to support the entire school team. Recently, she noticed a student struggling with sensory overload and independently organized a "quiet kit" with noise canceling headphones and fidget tools before the student even became overwhelmed. Her ability to see a need and fill it withoug being asked is what makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
There are truly no words to adequately express Ms. Howard's work ethic, talent and devotion. She organizes paperwork, tracks student data, tracks student work completions, takes on projects, and a million other hidden tasks every day.
Whether she is supporting her children's involvement or engaging in schoolwide events, Courtney demonstrates a holistic commitment to the growth and success of our local community. Her roles as an involved parent, and a dedicated educational assistant, allow her to connect with families on a genuine, relatable level.
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