East Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Leslie Roser at Flintstone Elementary in Flintstone, Maryland
Under the leadership of fourth-grade language arts and math teacher Leslie Roser, the school implemented four days of hands-on science activities. Leslie also serves as chair for the School Improvement Plan, holds group lunches with her students, uses her planning time to assist children, and shares knowledge with staff members. Principal Sharon Morgan, who nominated her, said, “All children in Leslie’s classroom know they have a teacher, counselor, confidante and friend for life.”
Midwest Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Kay Hall at Paintsville Junior/Senior High School in Paintsville, Kentucky
As a chorus teacher, Kay Hall enriches arts education. As a humanities and media teacher, Kay records all school events, and sent footage of a basketball game to a student’s father serving in Afghanistan. Her students have won media competition awards. As a senior class and student council sponsor, she organizes trips, assemblies and fundraisers. She mentors new teachers. “You call Kay if you need something,” said nominator Jami Ward, library media specialist. “No words describe what she means to this school.”
West Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Cecilia Zeidman at Playa Del Rey Elementary in Culver City, California
Third-grade teacher Cecilia Zeidman has taught at the elementary school for 25 years. She plans lessons with students’ abilities in mind and implemented a plan to accommodate a diabetic student. Cecilia updates her website weekly and mails a newsletter to parents and students. She organizes fundraisers, coordinates Playa del Rey’s Box Tops for Educational Projects and oversees performances and festivals. “Teachers and parents can count on Ms. Zeidman for assistance and support,” said her nominator, Mary Pierce, former principal at the school.
South Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Lindy Poling at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, North Carolina
Lindy Poling’s students rarely forget their social studies classes. In her Lessons Of Vietnam (LOV) class, Lindy helps them understand war, death, politics, patriotism and values and takes them to visit the Vietnam Wall in Washington. Lindy has authored books about the LOV program and received numerous awards. She is in charge of the Community In The Classroom speaker program, which brings individuals, including a Nazi prisoner and a State Department official, to talk about their experience of historical events. “Lindy’s passion for social studies, history and her students is clear,” said her nominator, Teresa Cronin.
East Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
William Gammetto at Charlton Elementary School in Charlton, Massachusetts
Seeing the need for education that encompassed the capabilities of autistic students, William Gammetto created an Applied Behavior Analysis Classroom for preschool through first-grade special education students. He designed programs, trained assistants and worked with staff to help students integrate. “Children make great strides,” said William’s nominator, Principal Lori Pacheco. “One student did a special routine at the school’s kindergarten show. The boy’s parents were so amazed that they were brought to tears,” Lori said.
Midwest Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Bonnie Goldenberg at Kilmer Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois
For several years, Bonnie Goldenberg’s fourth-grade students have earned the highest scores on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. Bonnie tutors students, communicates with parents, and applies for grants and purchases supplies with her funds. She also assists with the All School Talent Show and social events for teachers. “Ms. Goldenberg sets the bar,” said her nominator, Principal Miguel Trujillo. “(She) reaches out to establish a community of learners.”
West Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest
Marla Utley at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools in San Juan Capistrano, California
Marla Utley teaches students that they can achieve anything if they’re willing to put forth the effort. This high school biology teacher has a gift for connecting with international students–about 25 percent of the school population. But all students at the school have benefited from Marla’s efforts. She worked to incorporate a technology plan that enhanced student learning and taught other teachers to implement it. “She is a true example of what a teacher should be,” said Principal Dr. Terry Gaunt, Marla’s nominator. National organizations have selected Marla to participate in workshops.
South Region Second Place Teacher & Staff Appreciation Contest
Deanna Dominguez at Edinburg High School in Edinburg, Texas
Volleyball coach and special education teacher Deanna Dominguez’s attention to detail improves students’ ability to retain information. She does homebound instruction, going to students’ homes if they have medical reasons that prevent them from attending school. As a coach, Deanna has her players participate in Adopt An Angel and the KIDS Learning Center Halloween Festival. She also fundraises for scholarships and created, with her volleyball team, a night to honor the teachers who inspired them. Her nominator, former Edinburg educational diagnostician Elizabeth Garza, said Deanna’s leadership causes others around her to work at a higher level.
Congratulations to all of our winners! To find out more about this contest or to nominate someone for the "2011 Teacher Of The Year" click here. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner check out some great gift ideas at Positive Promotions!
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