Teacher of the Week Voting
This week’s voting is closed! Come back Monday!
Nominees for the Week of February 2nd
Jalen Grant – Benjamin Banneker Elementary – Physical Education
- Coach Gant creates an environment where students feel supported, respected, and motivated.
He connects with students beyond the classroom, showing genuine interest in their success and well‑being. - Whether it’s staying late, offering extra help, or stepping in wherever he’s needed, he consistently puts in the extra effort.
Students and staff can count on him to show up with energy and commitment every day. - His professionalism, positive attitude, and work ethic set a standard for others.
He models responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance — qualities that inspire students and colleagues alike.
Kris Peterson – Carl B Bruce Middle School – Librarian
- Mrs Peterson is not only our school librarian, but also the NJHS sponsor, website/ social media manager, and wearer of many more hats! Without her kind voice and smile, our students would miss out!
- She keeps up-to-date on what our students are interested in and will buy books that the students are more likely to check out and is often asking the students what they want to read. Students will get excited when new books they want to read come in and beg to go see her to get the latest read!
- Every morning, Mrs Peterson welcomes a small group of students to the library who need a quiet space in the morning before students get released to class. She has hosted students for years in the library and has become a soft place to land for many of these students over the years. Without her generously opening the library for the morning, our students needing quiet and calm might struggle during the day but this gives them a great start to the day!
Jennifer Murray – New Stanley Elementary – Music
- Ms. Murray takes time and effort outside of work to learn about special needs and how to best meet the needs of each student.
- She is very self reflective. She teaches lessons and learns from each one. She is intentional about growing as a professional. She will try new things and take feedback until a problem is solved.
- Ms. Murray is far more than an amazing music teacher. She is a lead teacher for the district. She is a building NEA representative. She is the first to respond to a teacher’s call for help.
Congratulations to Our Previous 2025 – 2026 School Year Winners!
Petrise Yates – Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
Kicking off the 2025 – 2026 school year is 2nd-grade teacher Petrise Yates! Petrise has dedicated her life to her school and students, providing her children with resources and care regardless of their circumstances. Congratulations, Petrise, and thank you for all you do!
Jason Holler – New Stanley Elementary School
Jason Holler, a SPED teacher at New Stanley, has dedicated his life to supporting the students with IEPs at New Stanley. He always shows up to do the best he can for the students and empowers each of them to do their best. Thank you for all you do, Jason!
Joelleanne Tejada – Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
Joelleanne Tejada has created a safe and active environment for her 3rd-grade students. She works around the clock to make sure every student feels confident in their daily lessons, providing support and encouragement. Thank you for the positive classroom you’ve created, Joelleanne! Congratulations on being Teacher of the Week!
Megan Green – Garfield Elementary
Megan Green is dedicated to all of her pre-kindergarten students. She is a positive role model to her kids and always leaves a positive impact on them. She creates an exciting environment and truly loves her job. Thank you for all of your hard work, Megan! Congratulations on being Teacher of the Week!
Titilayo Adelusola – J A Rogers Elementary School
As a 5th-grade teacher, Titilayo Adelusola supports her students by relying on empathy, tailored plans, and innovation for every lesson. Thank you for your commitment to your students and for setting them up for success in the future! Congratulations on being Teacher of The Week!
Hannah Klutho – Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts
As a special education teacher, Hannah helps every student explore each lesson in a creative, tailored way. She is a mentor, counselor, and their biggest cheerleader. Thank you for the impact you have on your students, Hannah! Congratulations on being named Teacher of the Week!
Hanna Funk – New Chelsea Elementary
Hanna Funk is a dedicated teacher who always supports and helps her students, no matter what they’re facing. Her commitment to her students inspires them to do their best every day. Thank you, and congratulations on being named Teacher of the Week, Hanna!
Raquel Smith-Collier – Benjamin Banneker Elementary
Congratulations to Raquel Smith-Collier for being named Teacher of the Week! Raquel creates an inviting space in her library where every student is encouraged to read and have fun! Her positive attitude about reading ensures students are intelligent, kind, and ready to lead. Congratulations, Raquel!
Brea Smith – Benjamin Banneker Elementary
Congratulations to Brea Smith for being voted Teacher of the Week! Brea shows an unwavering commitment to her students and her craft. She builds meaningful, trusting relationships and creates a classroom environment where learners feel safe, valued, and motivated. Thank you for your dedication, and congratulations, Brea!
Shannon Piggie – Benjamin Banneker Elementary
Shannon Piggie was named Teacher of the Week! She truly loves her students and demonstrates this through her daily interactions. She builds strong relationships, encourages each child’s growth, and creates a nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported. Thank you, and congratulations, Shannon!
Kingswell Bayron – Mark Twain Elementary
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Kingswell Bayron! Kingswell is constantly finding new and engaging ways to reach his students. He creates new, inventive, and meaningful ways to teach and connect with his students. Kingswell has created a strong sense of family within his classroom. Students feel valued, supported, and connected, making his classroom a place where everyone can thrive. Congratulations, and thank you for your hard work!
Christina Robb – Benjamin Banneker Elementary
Congratulations to Christina Robb on being voted Teacher of the Week! Christina demonstrates exceptional dedication in special education by effectively providing tailored services to several students with diverse abilities. She builds strong, trusting relationships with her students, creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued, understood, and motivated to succeed. Thank you for the work you do, Christina!
Jennifer Spears – New Stanley Elementary
Congratulations to Jennifer Spears on being voted Teacher of the Week! Jennifer strives to make relationships and connections further than the classroom, and continuously provides experiences for our students that will help them thrive in everyday life. From exciting ski and ice skating trips to teaching teamwork skills, Jennifer is passionate about making each day memorable for her students. Thank you for all that you do, Jennifer!
Joe Walsh – Northeast High School
Congratulations to Joe Walsh for being voted Teacher of the Week! Not only is Joe dedicated to helping his students stay engaged with learning about American government, but he is also a motivated cross-country coach. He is the students’ biggest fan and most profound cheerleader. Thank you for your passion, Joe, and congratulations!
Missy Doolin – Antioch Middle SchoolÂ
Congratulations to Missy Doolin for being named Teacher of the Week! Missy is a great example of a teacher as she always puts her students’ needs first. She teaches year-round, while keeping her lessons exciting and engaging! She is also a big help with the school’s garden and chickens! Congratulations, Missy!