NUSD “Teacher of the Year” Lisa MacMillan and school-by-school winners were awarded plaques by the Board of Trustees at a Sept. 9 public meeting.
Site Teacher of the Year honorees are Sandra Asimos, Jefferson School; Linda Cravens, Bannon Creek School; Kristin Cunningham, Two Rivers Elementary; Eric Fong, Inderkum High; Laura Harper, Special Education Department; Mary Hawkins, Witter Ranch Elementary; Lauren Hayden, Natomas Gateways Middle; Janet Mann, Natomas High; Mahnaz Mohammadi, H. Allen Hight Elementary; Nancy Searcy, Discovery High; Scott Taylor, Natomas Park Elementary; Rosa Torres, American Lakes School; and Lisa MacMillan, Heron.
Doug Orr, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, applauded the honorees as representing NUSD’s Core Belief that staff be committed, collaborative, caring and exemplary. Here’s how he introduced each Teacher of the Year winner to the Board:
1. Sandra Asimos is the Teacher of the Year for Jefferson School. Ms. Asimos, a PE teacher at Jefferson School school, has worked for the district since 2007. Ms. Asimos is described as having a contagiously positive attitude each day that she comes to work. Ms. Asimos has led the development of Jefferson’s after-school Fitness Club, the “Going the Distance Challenge” and the “Runnin’ for Rhett” program, encouraging students to run to support the “Move into Life” motto. Congratulations, Ms. Asimos.
2. Linda Cravens is the Teacher of the Year for Bannon Creek School. Ms. Cravens, a Teacher on Special Assignment at Bannon Creek School school, has worked for the district since 2007. Ms. Cravens is described as an avid collaborator with peer teachers who encourages students to be confident, independent thinkers and workers. In the classroom, Ms. Cravens steps back and allows students the freedom to explore on their own, while remaining available to guide and support learning along the way. Congratulations, Ms. Cravens.
3. Kristin Cunningham is the Teacher of the Year for Two Rivers Elementary. Ms. Cunningham, a 4th grade teacher at Two Rivers Elementary school, has worked for the district since 2012. Ms. Cunningham is described as an active member of the school community who sets high expectations for student learning and works with struggling math students to provide them additional support and scaffolding to help their achievement in mathematics. Congratulations, Ms. Cunningham.
4. Eric Fong is Teacher of the Year for Inderkum High School. Mr. Fong, a PE teacher at Inderkum High School, has worked for the district since 2001. Mr. Fong is described as an inquisitive learner who is dedicated to the success of Inderkum students, which is apparent with the extra duties that he has taken on which include coaching the boys basketball team, boys and girls golf teams, adviser to the Friday Night Live club, and this year Mr. Fong coordinated local and state resources to raise drunk driving awareness through the “Every 15 Minutes” Program. Congratulations, Mr. Fong.
5. Laura Harper is the Teacher of the Year for the Special Education Department. Ms. Harper, a district-wide adapted PE teacher, has worked for the district since 2004. Ms. Harper travels between sites working with special education students. Ms. Harper is described as a team member who fits right in wherever she goes, always has a smile on her face showing her enjoyment of her job and a true commitment to her students. Congratulations, Ms. Harper.
6. Mary Hawkins is the Teacher of the Year for Witter Ranch Elementary. Ms. Hawkins, a 4th grade teacher at Witter Ranch Elementary school, has worked for the district since 2004. Ms. Hawkins is described as being dedicated to children learning and reaching their full potential. In 2014-2015 school year, Ms. Hawkins open up her classroom for students in need of tutoring and, along with a colleague, ran a successful after-school book club, meeting with students to work on reading fluency and comprehension. Congratulations, Ms. Hawkins.
7. Lauren Hayden is the Teacher of the Year for Natomas Gateways Middle School. Ms. Hayden, who teaches History and Leadership at Natomas Gateways Middle School, has worked for the district since 2012. Ms. Hayden is described as highly organized, knowledgeable, and consistent in her classroom management. As Activities Director, she was instrumental in creating engaging activities for the students, creating a Leadership class that has created a positive culture and climate at the school. Congratulations, Ms. Hayden
8. Janet Mann is the Teacher of the Year for Natomas High School. Ms. Mann, who teaches Social Science at Natomas High School, has worked for the district since 1996. Ms. Mann is described as a motivated educator who goes above and beyond and will not stop until all students learn. Ms. Mann contributes to the school on a variety of levels, including organizing student trips to Washington DC, serving as swimming and cross country coach, and as department chair. Congratulations Ms. Mann.
9. Mahnaz Mohammadi is the Teacher of the Year for H. Allen Hight Elementary. Ms. Mohammadi, a 2nd grade teacher at H. Allen Hight Elementary School, has worked for the district since 1996. Ms. Mohammadi is described as having very high expectations and a strong passion for teaching her students, utilizing a variety of instructional strategies and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all of her students. Congratulations, Ms. Mohammadi.
10. Nancy Searcy is the Teacher of the Year for Discovery High School. Ms. Searcy, and English/ELD teacher at Discovery High School, has worked for the district since 2013. Ms. Searcy is described as a teacher who works tirelessly to support all Discovery students. The academic growth of Discovery’s long-term English Learners further demonstrates that through effective teaching practices combined with compassion and relationships is a proven formula for success. Congratulations, Ms.Searcy
11. Scott Taylor is the Teacher of the Year for Natomas Park Elementary. Mr. Taylor, a 5th grade teacher at Natomas Park Elementary School, has worked for the district since 2007. Mr. Taylor is described as a kind, caring and sincere person who believes in every child’s ability to learn. Mr. Taylor analyzes data results to drive decision-making for intervention supports during the instructional day, for enrichment and for extended day with this colleagues. Congratulations, Mr. Taylor.
12. Rosa Torres is the Teacher of the Year for American Lakes School. Ms. Torres, a 2nd grade teacher at American Lakes School, has worked for the district since 2000. Ms. Torres is described as an exemplary teacher, who goes above and beyond in caring for her students academically and emotionally. She is unwavering in wanting each of her students to succeed to their fullest potential. Ms. Torres spends many hours working as the EL Coordinator and ELAC leader for her site and is always there to help parents. Congratulations, Ms. Torres.
13. I am extremely proud to introduce Lisa MacMillan as our District Teacher of the Year. Ms. MacMillan, a 1st grade teacher at Heron School, has worked for the district since 1998. Ms. MacMillan is described as having a true passion for the art of teaching, and she is continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth and reflecting on her practice. Ms. MacMillan’s classroom is always a place where students are highly engaged in their learning and eager to explain what they’re doing and what they’ve learned. Ms. MacMillan exemplifies what it means to have high expectations for all students, and to have the incredible skill needed to ensure that students receive the challenge and support they need to meet those expectations. Congratulations, Ms. MacMillan.
