Rachel Ramirez was named OSTA's teacher of the month for June 2021.
She was nominated by Nerissa Wallace who had this to say:
Outside of being one of my best friends and the person who was literally by my side through undergrad and our credential program, Rachel is just an amazing and caring person and innovative teacher. I've had the pleasure of developing curriculum with her when we were both baby teachers and watched her blossom into this confident teacher who is passionate about her content and passionate about students being able to think critically about and relate to the content. Her beautiful classroom with student work proudly displayed shows you the effort that she goes through to make sure that all learning styles and cultures have access to and can engage in conversation around literature and topics that they can learn from and lean on for the rest of their educational careers. She is the epitome of a teacher who teaches students so that they love to learn. I could not be more proud of my friend and colleague.
Congratulations Rachel!
Cary Kanoa Yasuhara was named OSTA's friend of education for May 2021.
He was nominated by Mona Saeturn who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Cary Kanoa Yasuhara. Cary has done so much for our students over the years. He has happily helped us with mixing music for skits, creating posters for advertisements, DJing multicultural day, running sporting events, providing useful information for our students among other tasks as well.
Cary is so caring of our students that he often dedicates much of his time free of charge. We truly appreciate all you do for our students Cary!
Thank you for everything you do Cary!
He was nominated by Mona Saeturn who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Cary Kanoa Yasuhara. Cary has done so much for our students over the years. He has happily helped us with mixing music for skits, creating posters for advertisements, DJing multicultural day, running sporting events, providing useful information for our students among other tasks as well.
Cary is so caring of our students that he often dedicates much of his time free of charge. We truly appreciate all you do for our students Cary!
Thank you for everything you do Cary!
Lisa Ross was named OSTA's teacher of the month for May 2021.
She was nominated by Jeff Hopkins who had this to say:
I have had the privilege of working alongside Lisa for nearly eight years. She is a mentor not just to me but to the entire staff at LP. We often experience transitions in the school setting, and Lisa is the first person to step in and fill very important voids. These include leadership roles with Guiding Coalition, WASC, employee recognitions and celebrations, Common Core, and CAASPP. She wears more hats than Cerberus and Kate Middleton combined. In addition to being a great department chair, English teacher, and Freshmen whisperer, she is the heart of our school and the person that I readily go to for answers to the many and varied pedagogical puzzles presented to teachers each day. I wanted to give her props.
Congratulations Lisa!
She was nominated by Jeff Hopkins who had this to say:
I have had the privilege of working alongside Lisa for nearly eight years. She is a mentor not just to me but to the entire staff at LP. We often experience transitions in the school setting, and Lisa is the first person to step in and fill very important voids. These include leadership roles with Guiding Coalition, WASC, employee recognitions and celebrations, Common Core, and CAASPP. She wears more hats than Cerberus and Kate Middleton combined. In addition to being a great department chair, English teacher, and Freshmen whisperer, she is the heart of our school and the person that I readily go to for answers to the many and varied pedagogical puzzles presented to teachers each day. I wanted to give her props.
Congratulations Lisa!
Shaina Dickerson was named OSTA's teacher of the month for May 2021.
She was nominated by Ramona Saeturn who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Shaina Dickerson. Shaina was hired as a math teacher and ended up having to teach mostly Spanish this year. Not only has she graciously stepped up and accepted last minute changes to her schedule (during this already extremely difficult year), but she handled these changes exceptionally well while also making content engaging for her students.
She brings a great wealth of knowledge of various technology resources to our math team and happily trains us whenever she can. She also happily helps us troubleshoot issues when they arise. Thank you for being such a great asset to our team Shaina!
Congratulations Shaina!
She was nominated by Ramona Saeturn who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Shaina Dickerson. Shaina was hired as a math teacher and ended up having to teach mostly Spanish this year. Not only has she graciously stepped up and accepted last minute changes to her schedule (during this already extremely difficult year), but she handled these changes exceptionally well while also making content engaging for her students.
She brings a great wealth of knowledge of various technology resources to our math team and happily trains us whenever she can. She also happily helps us troubleshoot issues when they arise. Thank you for being such a great asset to our team Shaina!
Congratulations Shaina!
Cal McCarthy was named OSTA's teacher of the month for May 2021.
He was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Cal McCarthy for teacher of the month. I have had the privilege of watching Cal care for his students' emotional and academic well being during many zoom IEP meetings this year. He genuinely cares for our kids with a breadth and depth that inspires me to love outrageously. Cal also is quick to build up his colleagues with words of encouragement and admiration. Additionally, He also has an amazing singing voice and will bless those around him with a traditional Celtic ballad if you catch him when he's feeling loose. Those are good times.....
This year has presented unique challenges to everyone in education. Cal is a SPED teacher whose job during the zoom era has become increasingly difficult. He rises to the occasion, does his job with integrity, class and love, and makes our district better. I raise my glass to Cal McCarthy for teacher of the month!!!
Congratulations Cal!
He was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Cal McCarthy for teacher of the month. I have had the privilege of watching Cal care for his students' emotional and academic well being during many zoom IEP meetings this year. He genuinely cares for our kids with a breadth and depth that inspires me to love outrageously. Cal also is quick to build up his colleagues with words of encouragement and admiration. Additionally, He also has an amazing singing voice and will bless those around him with a traditional Celtic ballad if you catch him when he's feeling loose. Those are good times.....
This year has presented unique challenges to everyone in education. Cal is a SPED teacher whose job during the zoom era has become increasingly difficult. He rises to the occasion, does his job with integrity, class and love, and makes our district better. I raise my glass to Cal McCarthy for teacher of the month!!!
Congratulations Cal!
Jeff Hopkins was named OSTA's teacher of the month for April 2021.
He was nominated by Bonnie Leih and Kim Regnerus who had this to say:
I'd like to nominate Jeff Hopkins for TOM and Kim Regnerus cosigns on this nomination. This has been a hard year for us all with the pandemic and the DOJ training asking for us to pivot and learn and reflect more than ever. I have seen Jeff really lean into his colleagues and ask astute questions that show that he is working hard to grow as an educator and embrace the changes. He also demonstrates that he views his students holistically and as individuals. His care and concern extends beyond the classroom. Sometimes it's the little things that need to be recognized and celebrated because they represent the resilience and strength of our staff and OUHSD community.
Thank you for everything you do Jeff!
He was nominated by Bonnie Leih and Kim Regnerus who had this to say:
I'd like to nominate Jeff Hopkins for TOM and Kim Regnerus cosigns on this nomination. This has been a hard year for us all with the pandemic and the DOJ training asking for us to pivot and learn and reflect more than ever. I have seen Jeff really lean into his colleagues and ask astute questions that show that he is working hard to grow as an educator and embrace the changes. He also demonstrates that he views his students holistically and as individuals. His care and concern extends beyond the classroom. Sometimes it's the little things that need to be recognized and celebrated because they represent the resilience and strength of our staff and OUHSD community.
Thank you for everything you do Jeff!
Brad Lund was named OSTA's teacher of the month for April 2021.
He was nominated by Lisa Johnson who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Brad Lund for the teacher of the month. Brad is really the glue that holds the campus together. His unique presentations for the students and staff are amazing. Brad is one of the BEST speakers of all time. Not only does he change the lives of our students, he changed my life, showing me there are other people out there just like me with his "True Colors" presentation. Brad helped me through cyberspace, during my long-term sub position at Prospect, introducing me to Odysseyware. Brad sets the bar high for our students, but as Lorna Wetmore stated when we first met, "Brad is always so patient and fair!" Brad and his wife Autumn are both amazing role models for our students, showing the kids what it is like to be healthy and fit. Thank you Brad for putting up with me and helping our students become functioning members of society!
Congratulations Brad!
He was nominated by Lisa Johnson who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Brad Lund for the teacher of the month. Brad is really the glue that holds the campus together. His unique presentations for the students and staff are amazing. Brad is one of the BEST speakers of all time. Not only does he change the lives of our students, he changed my life, showing me there are other people out there just like me with his "True Colors" presentation. Brad helped me through cyberspace, during my long-term sub position at Prospect, introducing me to Odysseyware. Brad sets the bar high for our students, but as Lorna Wetmore stated when we first met, "Brad is always so patient and fair!" Brad and his wife Autumn are both amazing role models for our students, showing the kids what it is like to be healthy and fit. Thank you Brad for putting up with me and helping our students become functioning members of society!
Congratulations Brad!
Nerissa Wallace was named OSTA's teacher of the month for March 2021.
She was nominated by Brian Guthrie who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Nerissa Wallace as Teacher of the Month. From seeing her time at Prospect and CDS, Nerissa shows she takes dedication to her students to the next level! She is constantly thinking of new ways to connect her students to school both academically and socially as well as looking to improve their lives at home. Each year Nerissa takes on a few “tough cases” and spends hours of her own time motivating, counseling, advising, feeding, and all around often acting as a second mom (or sometimes even one they never had). Nerissa’s efforts embody what dedication means and despite her sometimes gruff exterior to students (and occasionally staff ), Nerissa shows she has a huge heart!! Thank you Nerissa for being who you are, striving for your aspirations (and often carrying us along with you!), and for doing what you do!!!
Thank you for everything you do Nerissa!
She was nominated by Brian Guthrie who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Nerissa Wallace as Teacher of the Month. From seeing her time at Prospect and CDS, Nerissa shows she takes dedication to her students to the next level! She is constantly thinking of new ways to connect her students to school both academically and socially as well as looking to improve their lives at home. Each year Nerissa takes on a few “tough cases” and spends hours of her own time motivating, counseling, advising, feeding, and all around often acting as a second mom (or sometimes even one they never had). Nerissa’s efforts embody what dedication means and despite her sometimes gruff exterior to students (and occasionally staff ), Nerissa shows she has a huge heart!! Thank you Nerissa for being who you are, striving for your aspirations (and often carrying us along with you!), and for doing what you do!!!
Thank you for everything you do Nerissa!
Emily Corona was named OSTA's teacher of the month for March 2021.
She was nominated by Darren Ohlhausen who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Emily Corona for TOM.
We here at the DL forum have had to make the most out of very little and Emily has definitely made magic out of thin air. She teaches Physical Science, College Prep Biology, Anatomy/Physiology, and Chemistry. Subjects that are very difficult to teach without the labs to accompany them.
The amount of energy she takes to find activities and programs to reach the students in different ways through distance learning. Since there is such a lack of hands-on activities she has created several quizzes, games (I even got to create my own avatar) and other activities to practice and engage with the students. The students are engaged on different levels and she is reaching them in different ways.
Even here the approach has changed by engaging the students more to make Odysseyware more tolerable. I go to a lot of classes and Emily has done a magnificent job of taking something dry and hard and made it fun. She actually teaches it.
She also holds students accountable by asking different questions to each student so the students are paying attention and responding when called upon.
The difficulty or burden of distance learning has lessened by her engagement and embrace of technology and how it has helped her reach the students.
She is also one to laugh with her students when she makes mistakes, but uses those instances as teachable moments. Students are comfortable to take chances knowing she will not judge them for being wrong. She definitely wears her personality on her sleeve.
I only have one negative: Emily loves having virtual backgrounds (STAR WARS with R2D2, nature, movie clips) And we do like the nostalgia backgrounds, BUT Emily had a clip from the movie "The Breakfast Club" before class started. Being a teenager from the 80's this brought back awesome memories, BUT the song choice was not from the movie. It should have been "Don't You Forget About Me" from Simple Minds. We had a heart to heart chat about that and she acknowledged her error. Almost the unforgivable sin.
I am having a blast in her class, as is Ms. Miller. Your use of technology and games in which you engage the students is exciting. Neither one of us can wait to get to your class.
Congratulations Emily!
She was nominated by Darren Ohlhausen who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Emily Corona for TOM.
We here at the DL forum have had to make the most out of very little and Emily has definitely made magic out of thin air. She teaches Physical Science, College Prep Biology, Anatomy/Physiology, and Chemistry. Subjects that are very difficult to teach without the labs to accompany them.
The amount of energy she takes to find activities and programs to reach the students in different ways through distance learning. Since there is such a lack of hands-on activities she has created several quizzes, games (I even got to create my own avatar) and other activities to practice and engage with the students. The students are engaged on different levels and she is reaching them in different ways.
Even here the approach has changed by engaging the students more to make Odysseyware more tolerable. I go to a lot of classes and Emily has done a magnificent job of taking something dry and hard and made it fun. She actually teaches it.
She also holds students accountable by asking different questions to each student so the students are paying attention and responding when called upon.
The difficulty or burden of distance learning has lessened by her engagement and embrace of technology and how it has helped her reach the students.
She is also one to laugh with her students when she makes mistakes, but uses those instances as teachable moments. Students are comfortable to take chances knowing she will not judge them for being wrong. She definitely wears her personality on her sleeve.
I only have one negative: Emily loves having virtual backgrounds (STAR WARS with R2D2, nature, movie clips) And we do like the nostalgia backgrounds, BUT Emily had a clip from the movie "The Breakfast Club" before class started. Being a teenager from the 80's this brought back awesome memories, BUT the song choice was not from the movie. It should have been "Don't You Forget About Me" from Simple Minds. We had a heart to heart chat about that and she acknowledged her error. Almost the unforgivable sin.
I am having a blast in her class, as is Ms. Miller. Your use of technology and games in which you engage the students is exciting. Neither one of us can wait to get to your class.
Congratulations Emily!
Leanna Felardo was named OSTA's teacher of the month for February 2021.
She was nominated by Teisha Hase who had this to say:
I nominate Leanna Felardo as OSTA's teacher of the month for February 2021. On 2/24/21 Leanna was officially medically retired due to a rare, in fact never before seen, genetic mutation that affects the mitochondria in her body. For those of us who are not biologists, the mitochondria are the engines of all our cells, so what used to be called mitochondrial disorders are now called energy production disorders. As one can imagine when the engines in one's cells are struggling, you have a whole host of symptoms, and Leanna does.
August 13, 2019 was the last day that Leanna came to the OHS campus where Leanna taught chemistry, physics and AP courses. Leanna was a maverick in her field, always keeping up with and implementing best teaching practices. In her 20 years as a teacher at OHS Leanna coached Aca Deca teams, sewed costumes for the drama department, and mentored new teachers, some of whom are current OSTA members. She was OHS's Sunshine Fund chair, which is appropriate since through all her struggles, which are considerable, Leanna has remained sunny in her disposition. Leanna also served as OSTA's secretary for years and put her phenomenal typing skills and fine intellect to great use. Members owe her a debt of gratitude.
Thank you, Leanna, for your years of tireless service. Your skill set is as rare as unicorn tears!
She was nominated by Teisha Hase who had this to say:
I nominate Leanna Felardo as OSTA's teacher of the month for February 2021. On 2/24/21 Leanna was officially medically retired due to a rare, in fact never before seen, genetic mutation that affects the mitochondria in her body. For those of us who are not biologists, the mitochondria are the engines of all our cells, so what used to be called mitochondrial disorders are now called energy production disorders. As one can imagine when the engines in one's cells are struggling, you have a whole host of symptoms, and Leanna does.
August 13, 2019 was the last day that Leanna came to the OHS campus where Leanna taught chemistry, physics and AP courses. Leanna was a maverick in her field, always keeping up with and implementing best teaching practices. In her 20 years as a teacher at OHS Leanna coached Aca Deca teams, sewed costumes for the drama department, and mentored new teachers, some of whom are current OSTA members. She was OHS's Sunshine Fund chair, which is appropriate since through all her struggles, which are considerable, Leanna has remained sunny in her disposition. Leanna also served as OSTA's secretary for years and put her phenomenal typing skills and fine intellect to great use. Members owe her a debt of gratitude.
Thank you, Leanna, for your years of tireless service. Your skill set is as rare as unicorn tears!
Susan Houle was named OSTA's friend of education for February 2021.
She was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
Susan Houle serves as the Chairperson for Oroville High School Site Council during the 2020-2021 school year. She has also generously given her time as a parent stakeholder during the WASC accreditation process.
Thank you for everything you do Susan!
Ana Maganda was named OSTA's friend of education for January 2021.
She was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
Ana Maganda is a paraeducator at Las Plumas High School and serves as the Vice Chairperson for Oroville High School Site Council during the 2020-2021 school year. She has also generously given her time as a parent stakeholder during the WASC accreditation process. Anna is also a parent volunteer for the Oroville Cross Country Team.
Thank you for everything you do Ana!
Bertha Campanero was named OSTA's teacher of the month for January 2021.
She was nominated by Dawn White who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Bertha Campanero for TOM. Here are a few things I appreciate so much about this wonderful person.
4. Bertha tries very hard to create a campus atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive, and loving. She does these little extra things, like the grateful board, that show a truly beautiful side of our kids. A side I think is frequently looked over.
She was nominated by Dawn White who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Bertha Campanero for TOM. Here are a few things I appreciate so much about this wonderful person.
- 1. Bertha worked as hard (if not harder) from home as she did on campus. Not only did she calculate all of Prospect student math needs, she also included the CIS students. She created this amazing color coordinated spreadsheet with each student, credit needed, credit completed, and what math they should be enrolled in. It is so helpful.
- 2. I cannot help my CIS kids with math. Unfortunately, my sister got all the math brains and left nothing for me. Bertha is a math genius and is ALWAYS willing to come tutor my kids. She will meet them here in class, ZOOM, or through email. I have listened to her explain complex problems in a way that is understandable. She has a gift.
4. Bertha tries very hard to create a campus atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive, and loving. She does these little extra things, like the grateful board, that show a truly beautiful side of our kids. A side I think is frequently looked over.
Ryan Rogowski was named OSTA's teacher of the month for December 2020.
He was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
Ryan has demonstrated a great sense of connecting with students and cares deeply for their safety and education. He also has been working very hard to earn a credential in Physics. He is a worthy recipient of such an honor.
Congratulations Ryan!
He was nominated by Jeff Reid who had this to say:
Ryan has demonstrated a great sense of connecting with students and cares deeply for their safety and education. He also has been working very hard to earn a credential in Physics. He is a worthy recipient of such an honor.
Congratulations Ryan!
Allison Smith was named OSTA's teacher of the month for November 2020.
She was nominated by Rich Hogan who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Allison Smith for TOM. She regularly gives trainings and helps teachers with what they need in their digital lives. She works hard to deliver the best curriculum possible. She is always there to help when asked and goes above and beyond to help others. She is well liked by the students and staff. She also gives a lot of time coaching and working with our students outside of the regular school day. She is an excellent example of the quality educators that make OHS great.
Congratulations Allison!
Keely Frazier was named OSTA's teacher of the month for October 2020.
She was nominated by Sherie Kermen and Brian Guthrie who had this to say:
Keely is an amazingly dedicated teacher and professional. She puts so much of her time and energy into her students as well as fellow teachers from all the training workshops she has organized to all the committees she's a part of and the fantastic Advisory slides she puts together for all of us! On top of that all the activities she has been a part of and continues to be a part of for her students!!!
Thank you Keely for doing what you do -- this year in particular wouldn't have been the same without you!!
Congratulations Keely!
She was nominated by Sherie Kermen and Brian Guthrie who had this to say:
Keely is an amazingly dedicated teacher and professional. She puts so much of her time and energy into her students as well as fellow teachers from all the training workshops she has organized to all the committees she's a part of and the fantastic Advisory slides she puts together for all of us! On top of that all the activities she has been a part of and continues to be a part of for her students!!!
Thank you Keely for doing what you do -- this year in particular wouldn't have been the same without you!!
Congratulations Keely!
Samantha Muntifering was named OSTA's teacher of the month for September 2020. She was nominated by Marta Shaffer and Sandy Smith who had this to say:
I'd like to nominate Samantha Muntifering for TOM. Sam is a true team player. She is quick to lend a helping hand both within her department and the school as a whole. She's a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and the OHS yearbook! I'm honored to work with her. – Sandy Smith
I nominate Sam Muntifering for always going above and beyond for our kids. – Marta Shaffer
Great job Sam!
Brian Guthrie was named OSTA's teacher of the month for August 2020. He was nominated by Janie Henry who had this to say:
Brain Guthrie deserves to be nominated Teacher of the Month.
I have had the pleasure of substituting in Brian's class at Prospect High School. His students always spoke of his willingness to go the extra mile to provide instruction and support. His students displayed knowledge of his expectations for classroom behavior and assignment outcomes. His classroom was well organized and assignments were well written and easy to administer.
I am of the opinion, Brian Guthrie should be Teacher of the Month.
Great job Brian!
Brain Guthrie deserves to be nominated Teacher of the Month.
I have had the pleasure of substituting in Brian's class at Prospect High School. His students always spoke of his willingness to go the extra mile to provide instruction and support. His students displayed knowledge of his expectations for classroom behavior and assignment outcomes. His classroom was well organized and assignments were well written and easy to administer.
I am of the opinion, Brian Guthrie should be Teacher of the Month.
Great job Brian!
Kim Regnerus was named OSTA's teacher of the month for June 2020.
She was nominated by Bonnie Leih who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Kim Regnerus. Kim is my Special Education co-teacher in General Biology, but I am not nominating her because she is an excellent collaborator and partner, even though she is. I am nominating Kim because of her dogged dedication to and heart for students, both those in her caseload and those who are not. When she sees a student, she is viewing them holistically and considers how she can use the resources at hand to help them grow both academically and socio emotionally, for these reasons, Kim is a fitting TOM.
Congratulations Kim!
She was nominated by Bonnie Leih who had this to say:
I would like to nominate Kim Regnerus. Kim is my Special Education co-teacher in General Biology, but I am not nominating her because she is an excellent collaborator and partner, even though she is. I am nominating Kim because of her dogged dedication to and heart for students, both those in her caseload and those who are not. When she sees a student, she is viewing them holistically and considers how she can use the resources at hand to help them grow both academically and socio emotionally, for these reasons, Kim is a fitting TOM.
Congratulations Kim!
Audrey Bruce was named OSTA's teacher of the month for May 2020.
She was nominated by Bonnie Leih who had this to say:
As part of the CLRT cadre at LP, Audrey has fully embraced the challenge of making her classroom a place in which her students feel that they are seen. She cheerfully shares her ideas and helps keep her colleagues accountable by checking in with them on their progress and offering advice. Further, Audrey shows her dedication to the development of a culture of cooperation and growth on campus through regular participation in the Guiding Coalition. It is this commitment to enduring, positive change that qualifies Audrey for TOM.
Congratulations Audrey!
She was nominated by Bonnie Leih who had this to say:
As part of the CLRT cadre at LP, Audrey has fully embraced the challenge of making her classroom a place in which her students feel that they are seen. She cheerfully shares her ideas and helps keep her colleagues accountable by checking in with them on their progress and offering advice. Further, Audrey shows her dedication to the development of a culture of cooperation and growth on campus through regular participation in the Guiding Coalition. It is this commitment to enduring, positive change that qualifies Audrey for TOM.
Congratulations Audrey!