Educator Spotlight for the week of
December 14, 2009:
Mrs.
Leyla Kayumova, Sonoran Science Academy, 5th Grade
Mrs.
Kayumova is passionate about what she does each and every
day. She is not just an educator, but an artist in the way
that she is able to take a classroom and bring the joy of
learning to every student. As a math curriculum we use
Saxon, which can be cyclical and a little dry. She brings
in funky music and has the kids dance and sing. She uses
lighting and background music for transitions and a mnemonic
device. Last year she taught 3rd grade math and all
students in her class were excelling in the math portion of
AIMS. She is a remarkable teacher!
Submitted by Alissa Tanner
Educator Spotlight for
the week of November 23, 2009:
Ms, Lynne
Cote, Mountain View High School, Biology-Biomedical & AP
Biology
Lynne
Cote is an award-winning teacher, who is always innovative
in her career. She does biomedical research during her
summers and has recently started a Career and Technical
Education program at Mountain View in Biomedical Sciences.
Lynne is spearheading our new biomedical research classes
and leading the way for the Joint Technological Education
District to renovate new biomedical classrooms. She is a
tireless advocate for students and also a wonderful golf
coach who earns the respect of her colleagues and admiration
of all of her students. Lynne recently received National
Board Certification.
Submitted by Danielle Schroeder
Educator Spotlight for
the week of November 16, 2009:
Ms, Katie
Eddleman, Brichta Elementary School, 5th Math Grade /
Writing / Environmental Science
Katie is
an amazing educator who engages her students in authentic
activities which integrate 21st century skills. This year,
her students are studying the impact, both positive and
negative, that humans have on their world. Projects include
reconciliation habitats, gray water and rain water
harvesting, and the placement of recycling containers at
local businesses and parks.
Submitted by Sabrina Cruz
Educator Spotlight for
the week of November 2, 2009:
Ms Shela
Little, Tortolita Middle School 7th and 8th Grade
Special Education
Shela
Little has developed a comprehensive math curriculum that
works at grade level while modifying the teaching to create
success for her students. She works after hours to tutor
students and provides lunchtime strategies to create
success. Her students consistently improve in her program,
sometimes advancing as much as 2 grades under her teaching.
She is an integral part of our successful special education
program.
Submitted by Jane D'Amore
Educator Spotlight for
the week of October 26, 2009:
Ms Lori
Madina, B.L. Lauffer Middle School 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
ELL Reading
Lori
has developed an atmosphere of trust and respect with her
students. She uses innovative pedagogy to keep the students
motivated. She directs an afterschool program for her
students that is engaging and interesting. She motivates
the students to the point where learning English becomes a
priority. She is so nurturing that all students that come
in contact with her feel safe and welcome.
Submitted by Ava Bemer
Educator Spotlight for
the week of October 19, 2009:
Ms Sarah
Bromer, City High School English: 9-12
Sarah
spends much of her time doing one of the most important
things in the world: teaching people how to read. High
school students who struggle with reading can be a sensitive
bunch. They tend to disappear. Sarah makes them feel safe in
her classroom, unashamed of their skill level and eager to
try. She is patient, respectful, funny, and creative.
Teaching teenagers to read is a tremendous feat, and Sarah
is making important progress, one student at a time.
Submitted by: Ms. Eve Rifkin
Educator Spotlight for
the week of October 12, 2009:
Mr.
Steven Abramson, Children Reaching for the Sky
The
students and teachers alike love Mr. Abramson. He talks to
everyone with complete and total respect. He can command
attention without ever raising his voice. He connects his
music lessons to all other subject areas, such as different
cultures, writing and art. Mr. Abramson actively engages
the students in learning from the moment he walks into the
room to the moment he leaves. He is always very prepared
and leaves the students wanting more. Mr. Abramson is a
star teacher and we are lucky to have him. Submitted by
Andrea Schletter.
Educator Spotlight for
the week of October 5, 2009:
Ms. Ellen
Weintraub Project ABLE Pre-K, Gale Elementary School
Ellen
Weintraub has been an early childhood exceptional education
teacher for the past 5 years and a Cross categorical teacher
for many years beyond that. Ellen is a well respected
educator in our community. Parents often call on Ellen for
advice about ways to better support their children at home
and in the community.
She was a great mentor to me, as a first year teacher. I
have since received many compliments on my teaching, which I
cannot take full credit for without mentioning the
significant impact Ellen has had on me. I hope I will be as
great a teacher as she is!
Submitted by: Kelsey McCarthy
Educator Spotlight for
the week of September 28, 2009:
Ms. Desiree Cillitto
First grade teacher, Desert Winds Elementary (Marana
Unified)
Desiree
Cillitto is an outstanding teacher! She is super kind to her
students and truly loves them. Parents are always commenting
on how much they love her and that they are so thankful
their children are part of her class. Her lesson plans and
teaching objectives are completely standards based, yet they
are fun and engaging at all times.
Her
students are always on task when I walk in her room and are
genuinely enjoying themselves. The lessons she has planned
are simply incredible! She motivates her fellow grade level
members with new and fresh ideas. Everyone should model
themselves after work ethic and dedication to core
instruction! And believe it or not, she's only a second year
teacher!
Submitted by: Mrs. Tawnya Caldwell
To submit an educator for recognition in
the Educator Spotlight, click here
