Natomas Unified’s District and Site “Teachers of the Year” were presented plaques and honored with a brief reception by the Board of Trustees at their Sept. 14 public meeting.
Here’s how Assistant Superintendent Doug introduced each of the winners that night:
The Board of Trustees is proud to recognize the Teachers of the Year and the 2017 District Teacher of the Year. As you may know, our Board of Trustees and District is committed to ensuring that each of our staff members be committed, collaborative, caring and exemplary. We ask that staff demonstrate caring through responsive and quality customer service. Each of our Teachers of the Year share our commitments and have contributed to the growth and success of Natomas Unified and I am honored to formally introduce each of them.
This evening I will introduce each teacher who will then be presented with a plaque from the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Evans. At the end, there will be an opportunity for a group photo with the Board of Trustees. At this time, I would like to welcome NTA President Phil Cox who will join the Board and Superintendent at the front to celebrate our teachers.
1. Siurave Almanza is the Teacher of the Year for Jefferson School. Ms. Almanza, a 1st grade teacher, has worked for the district since 2007. Ms. Almanza is described as an engaging teacher who holds the attention of all students with lessons that are creative and innovative, while aligned with Common Core Standards with high expectations that challenge and engage her students. Congratulations Ms. Almanza.
2. Lyn Bigelow is the Teacher of the Year for Natomas High School. Ms. Bigelow, an English teacher, has worked for the District since 2011. Ms. Bigelow is described as a teacher who is passionate about teaching and is respected by the students, staff and administration at Natomas High. Ms. Bigelow ensures student success with constant feedback by using Google docs to provide instant ideas and support. Congratulations Ms. Bigelow.
3. Lyndsay Byrd is the Teacher of the Year at Natomas Park Elementary. Ms. Byrd, a Physical Education teacher, has worked for the District since 2002. Ms. Byrd is described as an exemplary teacher who is positive and supportive of students, families and colleagues who demonstrates great concern for students’ academic and social-emotional growth, impacting students beyond her own classroom. Congratulations Ms. Byrd.
4. Kristi Dills is the Teacher of the Year for Inderkum High School. Ms. Dills, an English teacher, has worked for the District since 2006. Ms. Dills is described as a teacher who has an impact on students that far surpasses the content that she teaches. In fact, recently one of Ms. Dills’ students said, “Ms. Dills has been the most inspirational teacher to me. Her kindness has taught me to do bigger, better things in life.” Congratulations Ms. Dills.
5. Meghan Kauffman is the Teacher of the Year for Two Rivers Elementary. Ms. Kauffman, a Transitional Kindergarten Teacher has worked for the District since 2014. Ms. Kauffman is described as a teacher who understands her students’ academic and social abilities while consistently maintaining high expectations a warm and inviting environment. Ms. Kauffman does anything she can to prepare her students to be not only good students, but responsible citizens. Congratulations Ms. Kauffman.
6. Barbara Martinez is the Teacher of the Year for H. Allen Hight Elementary. Ms. Martinez, a 3rd grade teacher, has worked for the District since 2006. Ms. Martinez is described as a teacher with effective classroom management who is willing to create and implement specialized behavior plans for students who need additional support, ensuring that ever student in her class is learning and succeeding. Congratulations Ms. Martinez.
7. Daniel Meyer is the Teacher of the Year for Leroy Greene Academy. Mr. Meyer, PE Teacher and Athletic Director, has worked for the District since 2014. Mr. Meyer is described as a core member of the Leroy Greene team who well organized and always available to help. When asked to lead athletics, Mr. Meyer took the role with ease and professionalism as he implemented sports at the middle and high school. Congratulations Mr. Meyer.
8. Michael Mitchell is the Teacher of the Year for Discovery High School. Mr. Mitchell, a Culinary Arts teacher, has worked for the District since 2015. Mr. Mitchell is described as a chef and teacher who meets the social, emotional and academic needs of the Discovery High Students who instills an understanding that in order to be successful in whatever career they choose, an essential element is good citizenship and strong work ethic. Congratulations Mr. Mitchell.
9. Ana Reilly is the Teacher of the Year for Witter Ranch Elementary. Ms. Reilly, a 2nd grade teacher, has worked for the District since 2001. Ms. Reilly is described as a collaborative teacher and coach who is respected by her students, parents and peers. Ms. Reilly is a strong student advocate who volunteers her time at an after school reading club to ensure her student’s have the opportunity to become strong readers. Congratulations Ms. Reilly.
10 Tony Thomas is the Teacher of the Year for Heron School. Mr. Thomas, a 6th grade teacher, has worked for the District since 2001. Mr. Thomas knows that education is the key to our students’ future success and has a clear understanding of his students’ strengths and areas for growth and provides differentiated support when needed. Mr. Thomas creates a classroom culture where students support each other and take responsibility for creating a safe and positive environment. Congratulations Mr. Thomas.
11 Cynthia Westbrook is the Teacher of the Year for American Lakes School. Ms. Westbrook, a 4th grade teacher, has worked for the District since 2001. Ms. Westbrook is described as a team player who ensures all students learn by her dedication and expectation that all students will succeed. Ms. Westbrook runs the afterschool reading program to help students develop a passion for reading and the site’s Green Team, which builds awareness to recycle, reduce and reuse to help the earth and reduce green waste into the landfill. Congratulations Ms. Westbrook.
12 Jerry Woods is Teacher of the Year for Natomas Middle School. Mr. Woods, ELA/ELD teacher, has worked for the District since 1988. Mr. Woods is described as a teacher who helps students to become college and career ready, productive, responsible and engaged citizens through his work in the classroom, colleagues and school safety. Mr. Woods has taken a proactive leadership role at the site and always takes the time to listen, understand and find a positive solution. Congratulations Mr. Woods.
13 I am extremely proud to introduce Heather Gohn as our District Teacher of the Year. Ms. Gohn, a 3rd grade teacher, has worked for the District since 2013. Ms. Gohn is described as a leader on campus who collaborates with other professionals on campus to provide her students everything she can. Ms. Gohn maintains high standards for all students, in continuously assessing students for mastery of Common Core Standards. Ms. Gohn is creating life long scholars who will have the necessary tools to achieve in college and future career. Congratulations Ms. Gohn.
Congratulations again to all of our Teachers of the Year!
