Educators in Aptos Win Innovator Awards

COMMUNITY NEWS

Educators in Aptos Win Innovator Awards

Thirteen educators at schools in Aptos are among more than 100 Pajaro Valley Unified School District employees to win “Innovator of the Year” awards.

Each elementary school selected one classified and one certificated in transitional kindergarten-grade 2 and one in grades 3-6 who made a significant contribution through innovative and creative strategies.

Each secondary school and department selected one classified and one certificated individual to recognize, again for making significant contribution via innovative and creative strategies.

The Pajaro Valley Education Foundation sponsored the awards. A recording of the event is on YouTube at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=6Ku5NLJleHo

••• Mar Vista

Megan Jacobsmeyer,

library technician: Her love of books and reading is pervasive. She provides a social-emotional sanctuary for students who need a place to explore and socialize with each other with constructive activities.

Risa Schwartz, second

grade teacher: She is innovative in finding solutions to the problems, listening from each student’s perspective, and giving guidance when needed. Her classroom is a safe space for everyone.

Marie-Louise Minvielle, 6th grade

teacher: She is creative and innovative in how she connects with her students. She is patient and approaches her pedagogical thinking from the perspective of a sixth-grader.

Rio Del Mar

Barbara Welty, behav-

ioral technician: She uses evidence-based practices that we can apply to all students while tailoring them to individual needs. Our students feel her warmth and a sense of safety.

Martin Sweet, 6th grade teacher &

afterschool coordinator: The design he uses is one of collaboration with teachers, parents, and site and district administration. He is steadfast in his commitment to students and creates bonds with them that last a lifetime.

Mary Sandman,

2nd grade teacher: She promotes inclusivity of all students through the on-going facilitation of acceptance from one another, respecting differences and promoting positive interactions between the students.

Valencia

Dawn Sterner, instruc-

tional assistant: Due to her focused sessions, kids who were unable to read and write independently are on their way and believing in themselves as learners.

Karen Richmond, kindergarten

teacher: She is the queen of designing creative and innovative systems and structures. She has implemented routines for ALL parts of her kindergarten students’ day from the Greeting Meeting and Clock Talk to Dynamite Dismissal and everything in between.

Erin Farrar, 5th grade teacher &

GATE liaison: Her work has been critical to the continued growth of her students. Though already exceptionally talented and high performing students, they have all continued to hone their skills and reach new heights with their learning.

Aptos Junior High

Deann Najera, office

manager: She has improved operational efficiency, purchasing and implementing an automated report card machine which has allowed us to communicate better with our families on grades.

“Aptos Educators” page 17

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