January 2024

Andrew Haff, Social Studies and We the People Teacher, Woodside Middle School

Nomination commentary from two parents: 

My daughter, took Mr. Haff’s We the People and Social Studies class as an 8th grader (last year). Mr. Haff’s ability to teach challenging concepts and inspire young people to tackle tough topics through argument, supporting evidence, and critical thinking was amazing. I was blown away at the state WTP competition watching middle school students present civic arguments and answer questions about the U.S. Constitution, citing Supreme Court cases and other historical precedents. It is clear that Mr. Haff goes above and beyond the typical expectations of a teacher. We the People was truly a transformative experience for my daughter. Mr. Haff’s teaching ability and mentorship has inspired her to pursue a graduate degree in law and become an attorney.
 

Every parent wants to see their kids succeed and to reach the most of their potential. It requires a source of true inspiration to draw that out of students and push them to really reach beyond the normal day-to-day experience. My daughter has been happy with many different teachers and subjects over the years. However, I have never seen the true awe and inspiration that she gained from Mr. Haff’s We The People class. He pushed her to not only consider information in her text, but truly to evaluate her surroundings and apply that critical thinking to her daily life. He used readings, discussions, songs, and so many teaching strategies to reach every level of student. In my experience as a parent I would say Mr. Haff is not only worthy of teacher of the month or year. He is one of the best teachers I have ever seen. We are so lucky to have such an amazing talent in our district.

Elizabeth Dickmeyer, ED Teacher, Deer Ridge Elementary

Nomination commentary from six of her colleagues.  Here is what a couple of them had to say

“Ms. Dickmeyer is one of the most positive teachers I’ve had the experience in working with. I continue to be inspired and amazed by her love for children.” “Ms. Dickmeyer gives each of her students the love, patience, structure, and guidance they need to grow. She has persisted in her level of commitment to every student in her program.”

February 2024

Cynthia Dahn, Bus Driver, SACS Transportation

Nomination commentary from parent: 

“Ms. Cynthia always has a smile on her face...You can tell she truly cares for each and every student...I pray every year she is still my kids bus driver!”

Amy Acree, Media Instructor, Homestead High School 

Nomination commentary from coworker. 

“Amy returned to Homestead last year as a librarian (she was an English teacher when she moved to another district), and she has made such an outstanding difference in our library. She is open to working alongside teachers with any research or library related content, and she has great ideas and passion. She also supports students in numerous ways. My students were just commenting how quickly she responds to their requests for help - usually within minutes. Also, she has prioritized making the library inclusive and accessible for our special needs students. I am so honored to work with her. She has improved the Homestead experience in specific and important ways.”

Leslie Harman, Science Teacher, Woodside Middle School

Nomination commentary from a parent and a student:

Parent: “Ms. Harman is a very supportive teacher! Super impressed with her interest in her students. I have received multiple calls with updates, suggestions, and support. She cares about the children she has the opportunity to teach and it shows!”

Student:  “Mrs. Harman really cares about her students, even beyond science class. She always checks in with all of her students at the start of each class and she wants to know what’s going on in our lives. Mrs. Harman is easy to trust and very authentic. She also makes science easy to understand and fun, and really wants to help us succeed. Even though she was our teacher last year, this year she still checks in and wants to know how we are doing. If you ask anybody, they’ll tell you that Mrs. Harman really made a difference in their 7th grade year.”

Karen Gilpin, Counselor, Summit Middle School

Nomination commentary from a peer:

“Mrs. Gilpin is a constant advocate for student wellbeing and moral boost to staff. This year, she has run Student Assistance Program groups for students to get support for family, grief, anger management and anxiety/wellness. Mrs. Gilpin also organizes a 12 Days of Holiday Cheer for Summit staff to have a fun way to bond and wrap up the first semester with joy, creativity and prizes. She deserves an award for being such a helpful and positive role model at Summit.”