John Milich brought this special meeting to order at 12:10p.m. after inviting a large gathering of teachers and guests to imbibe in a lovely lunch of beef, salmon and ravioli.  That’s right, a food extravaganza was on tap for this meeting honoring the Teachers of the Year for San Ramon Unified School District.  After introducing Don Bierman as our greeter who regaled the club with two thoughts for the day, one of which was from Shakespeare, Don led us in a flag salute and Mike Thelan led us in a patriotic song.

 

Gary Sloan was called to the podium as the Master of Ceremonies as a result of an unexpected illness befalling Chris Gayler.  Gary thanked Chris for all of his efforts in this and past years to organize and honor our teachers.  There were 10 outstanding educators that were to be honored but before beginning dignitaries in attendance were recognized including:

            Mayor Bill Clarkson representing the City of San Ramon

            Mike Pistello, Abbas Husain and Katie Williams from the Police Department

            Liz Graswich from San Ramon Valley Unified School District

            Ken Mintz from the San Ramon Valley Board of Educations

            Vanessa Berastain from the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation

 

This was the 11^th Annual San Ramon Rotary Educator of the Year Luncheon.  After lunch was served and guests/Rotarians were given some time for fellowship and digestion, Gary began the meeting recalling how teachers affect the lives of young people, demarcating a path to learning, cooperation and collaboration.  Our honorees were referred to as leaders in our schools and community.

 

Each Honoree will receive an honorarium of $100, receive Certificates of Recognition from the City of San Ramon and San Ramon Rotary Club and there name will be added to the perpetual Educator of the Year Plaque located in each school’s office.

 

Steve Wilcox presented three teacher awards.  Steve’s familiarity with our local teacher’s contribution was evident as he shared his involvement with our schools through his own kid’s experiences.

Michele Ludwig from Bollinger Canyon Elementary was presented. This 4^th grade teacher has been teaching for over 12 years at the school embracing Reader and Writer’s workshop.  Her commitment to higher literacy is evident through small group instruction in the classroom and connecting her students with readers around the world through a Global Read Aloud program.  She also assists struggle math students to grasp challenging mathematical concepts.   Not only is Michelle a stellar student, but she is supportive of her school through participation in Student Leadership, acts as the teacher representative on the parent “Bulldog Fund” and selects Books of the Month.

 

Laura Woods from Cal High was honored for her decade long effort to run the drama program at our adopted high school.  Her capacity to develop student creativity and a passion for performance is well known.  She excels at her craft and inspires students to the highest levels of showmanship.  Laura also serves as a site leader and quietly interacts with community members.

 

Kathy Burdine hails from Country Club Elementary School as a 2^nd Grade teacher.  She was described as a life long learner always looking for ways to improve her practice and meet the needs of her students.  She partners with families and colleagues holding everyone to high standards while providing a caring and supportive environment of learning.  Kathy demonstrated that she is an innovator being among the first to try out the new curriculum and utilizing the new Teacher’s College phonics units. Her small group reading intervention is considered a model for others.

 

Dr. Bill Harlan was the next presented.  He did not disappoint sprinkling in humor and anecdotes while being self effacing and charming.

 

Elise Tewell was presented as a true team player.  Bill explained the definition of a “team player” in a school setting among teachers as someone who reluctantly agreed to meet with executives from the district when the principal was hiding in Administration’s closet.   Elise was also characterized as a strong curricular leader, thoughtful in her approach and able to teach a “combo” class with grace.  She recently received a Master’s degree in Education. Elise has been said to inspire both novice and veteran teachers.

 

Nichole Vigar, Iron Horse Middle School Art Teacher, was introduced after Dr. Bill harassed Joe Nguyen, her principal, by accusing Joe of taking “selfies” and needing to put down his electronic device to concentrate on the ceremony at hand.  (very funny moment).  On a more serious note, Nichole’s impact on the school community surpasses her title of Art Teacher.  In the past four years, she has earned the adoration of her students and respect from her colleagues.  She has been so successful in building the Art Program that she is one of the few full time Art instructors in the district.  Nichole is creative connecting with special education students in unique and powerful ways.  Mr. Nguyen shared his favorite memory about Nichole when she warned him that she was going to try a new lesson when he came for his class observation time.  At the time, Mr. Nguyen said to Nichole “awesome” but he remembers thinking that “she must be crazy to do a new lesson when your principal is coming in”.  Nichole personifies the quote “Engage your student and teaching will come easily”.

Paula Rossetto-Blanc is a 4^th Grade teacher from Montevideo Elementary School.  She is distinguished from her fellow teachers by being on the cutting edge of teaching constantly staying informed about best new practices, strategies and engagement.  She seamlessly integrates a variety of instructional supports, technology and content into each lesson and every new learning opportunity.  Paula is also a site state testing coordinator, GATE coordinator and district liaison.  We celebrated Paula’s dedication to supporting social, emotional and behavioral learning for all students.

 

Gary Sloan wrapped up the teacher’s recognition with the last four candidates.  He shared that all four of these remaining candidates were engaged and committed to their students.

 

Kristy Lomando, a Core 7^th Grade Teacher was among this elite group of teachers.  From Pine Valley Middle School, Kristy moved from her 6^th grade team to accept a new teaching challenge harnessing her positive spirit and successfully changed the way students learn, grow and support one another. Kristy brought together best practices by engaging teachers to discuss the best approaches to student learning.  Her caring and concern for students in the classroom was translated in her collaborative approach with teachers.  She consistently adapted curriculum and support needs of her students while proactively communicating with parents and support staff.  Finally, Ms. Lomando sees the best in people and always conducts herself with grace, professionalism and a good sense of humor.

 

Sarah Wetherell teaches at Neil Armstrong Elementary School as a 3^rd Grade teacher.  She is thoughtful, articulate and passionate about her students. She challenges her students each day to perform their best but never hesitates to comfort them when learning gets hard.  She subscribes to the idea that students are on their own educational journey that requires a flexible setting, integration of technology and hands on projects.  Sarah is a team player giving of her time to others and switching job duties with colleagues when needed.

 

Lisa Sawires is a science teacher at Walt Disney Elementary School with a passion for science as indicated by her dedication of long hours and her commitment to involving parents and community in teaching students about science. Lisa is about “students first”.  She provides praise and encouragement to students awarding dragon scales to students who excel in the class.  Outside the classroom, Lisa is a San Ramon Police Chaplain supporting community’s families in many difficult circumstances.

 

Molly Lein represents Twin Creeks Elementary School.  Gary paused during his presentation to ask the question of whether or not Molly was being given the correct award today as he felt that the Purple Heart or Badge of Courage might be a more appropriate award to teach 2rd Grade kids.  Molly was described as an amazing teacher who is caring, creative and dedicated, always keeping her student’s best interests at heart. She regularly meets with parents to discuss student progress.  She differentiates her curriculum to create a fun, challenging, welcoming and “kid friendly” place. She even engages her 2^nd grade children in discussions to problem solve playground issues. Molly is on the Site Council and an integral member of the staff.

 

Gary concluded that meeting by sharing the following sentiments:

 

“We are in your debt.  Our teacher honorees have facilitated scholastic abilities and aptitudes. They have helped students cross thresholds to possess the academic prerequisites to achieve their academic pursuits. They have taught with love.

 

But then our teachers have done much, much more than that. We have learned from our teachers in so many different ways. Our teachers have guided their students when they faced difficult situations and dilemmas. They have loved their students even when they were truant and mischievous and played pranks. They have offered support in so many ways that made the process of education enjoyable. They have striven hard to inculcate in their students human values and high ethical standards. They have helped seek the truth and taught how to live by it. They have given their time most generously, and offered advice most willingly.  And naturally our teachers have been our role models. We have always looked up to our teachers with respect. And we have always wondered if we could ever match up to them.

 

As we come together today to thank our teachers, we find words are insufficient to do that. Words seem to pale before our teachers’ selfless service and devotion to the cause of educating, enlightening and molding our children’s minds, hearts and lives. Words can never equal what our teachers have done for our community.

 

Nevertheless, the San Ramon Rotary Club wish to verbally thank our teachers and express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for your work.

 

And now I would like all of our 2019 Educators of the Year honorees to stand to be recognized.  Congratulations!”

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10p after Gary instructed all the teachers meet at the back of the room to take a group picture and receive their certificates and monetary stipend.

Respectfully submitted by

 

Gary Sloan, Scribe