Teacher of the Year Selection Criteria
Please note the selection criteria listed here are not exclusive, and are not intended to be requirements. Instead they are a list of considerations that we hope will help those who nominate teachers understand the intent behind each of the three cateories.
New Teacher (4 years or less in the profession)
1. Demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication for the job of educating our youth.
2. Demonstrates a commitment to the educability of all students and is sensitive to each student's learning needs.
3. Determines appropriate learning experiences for students based on ongoing assessments.
4. Plans and implements activities that stimulates students' interests, learning, and promotes critical thinking, meaningful discussions, and creativity.
5. Develops a positive classroom environment that reinforces positive self-image, communication, and collaboration.
6. Works well with all students, parents, staff and the community.
Innovative/Collaborative Teachers (two or more)
1. Works collaboratively with other teacher(s) in designing and implementing an innovative curriculum.
2. Plans, collaborates, and implements activities that motivates student learning and meets the various learning needs and modalities of all students.
3. Plans and implements activities that foster critical thinking, problem solving creativity, communication, and collaboration.
4. Promotes high standards and thoughtful execution of instruction.
5. Listens and communicates effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and staff.
Career Service Teacher (5 years or more in the profession)
1. Is effective in addressing students' needs, interests, and learning and meets the State Standard Goals and Objectives Requirements.
2. Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills with students, parents, staff, and the community.
3. Maintains an environment conducive to learning and positive self-concept.
4. Uses innovative and creative teaching approaches and techniques.
5. Provides opportunities for students to practice what is learned.
6. Encourages students to be involved in extracurricular activities.
7. Offers support to colleagues, provides leadership where appropriate, and contributes to good morale in the classroom, school, and community.
A Long History of Teacher Awards!
2022-2023
Allie Brown, Career Service Teacher, Gravenstein Elementary School
Jeanne Guerinoni, Career Service Teacher, Apple Blossom School
Casey Jones, New Teacher, Analy High School
Britt Machado, Innovative Teacher, Brook Haven School
2021-2022
Sally Briggs, Career Service Teacher, Apple Blossom School
Mei Ibach, New Teacher, West County High Schools
Andy Del Monte and Walt Hays, Innovative Teachers, West County High School
2020-2021
Sergio Blanco, Career Service Teacher, Hillcrest Middle School
Jennifer Tsuromoto, New Teacher, Park Side and Brook Haven Schools
Kate Crandall, Beth Trivunovic, Kory Van Dyke, and Sally Redfern
Innovative Teachers, Gravenstein Elementary School
2019-2020
Mary Jo Kinser, Career Service Teacher, Pleasant Hill Christian School
Sydnee Mardell, New Teacher, Twin Hills Charter Middle School
Joe Maloney, Innovative Teacher, Laguna High School
2018-2019
Julie Aiello, Kindergarten, Parkside School
Tim Forslund, Social Studies, Analy High School
Amanda Reece, Special Education, West Sonoma County Special Education Consortium
Sonoma West Times Article
2017-2018
Jolene Johnson, Dance Teacher, El Molino High School
Karen McKenna, 6th Grade English and History, Twin Hills Middle School
Jeff Stucker, 6th Grade English and History, Brook Haven School
Sonoma West Times Article
2016-2017
Kate O'Brien,Kindergarten, Sunridge School
Sara Gramm, 3rd Grade, Parkside School
Adam Alcorn, Special Education, Analy High School
Sonoma West Times Article
2015-2016
Nicole Ellwood, Special Education Twin Hills Middle School
Katya Robinson, West Sonoma County Special Education Consortium
Walt Hayes, Applied Arts & Technology, Analy High School
Sonoma West Times Article
2014-2015
Sunny Galbraith, Orchard View School
Greg Corby, Brook Haven School
Mike Roan, El Molino High School
Sonoma West Times Article
2013-2014
Mary Fitch, Physical Sciences, Twin Hills Charter School
Sarah Prosser, 4th Grade, Sun Ridge Waldorf School
Lynn Stewart, English Language Learners, El Molino High School
2012-2013
Andy DelMonte, Choir, Analy High School
John Thomas, English, El Molino High School
2011-2012
Gianna De Persis Vona, English, Laguna High School
Rachel Lasek, Math, El Molino High School
2009-2010
Joe Compagno, Science, Analy High School
Vance Regan, Instrumental Music, Analy High School
2008-2009
Bill Olzman, Social Studies/English, El Molino High School
Lynette Williamson, English/Rhetoric, Analy High School
2007-2008
John Grech, Social Studies, El Molino High School
Cathy Wiese, Special Eduaction, Analy High School