Teacher of the Week Voting
Nominees for the Week of March 30th
Cary Hotson – New Chelsea Elementary – Reading/Intervention
- Ms. Hotson should be the teacher of the week because she always willing to help our school community. She volunteers her time to help plan family engagement nights such as literacy night and math night.
- She also goes above and beyond what is asked of her on a daily basis. She doesn’t just the job as stated and pull groups of students for grades K-5. She also pulls additional groups of students at each grade level who need extra support with reading so they can more personalized attention. She meets with families to provide extra resources to help improve literacy skills. She even records herself reading to help students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds.
- Ms. Hotson makes those around her want to do more. She is always professional, friendly, and helpful to those around her. If anyone asks for help with anything, she is willing to try. She is a knowledgable reading expert who is an amazing resource for our school for best practices.
Taylor Stewart – New Stanley Elementary – Social Worker
- She consistently goes above and beyond for our school community. She is currently taking on two roles and handles both with dedication, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
- She is always willing to step in to support staff and students whenever needed.
- In addition, she plays an important role on our attendance team, where her commitment and follow-through help ensure students are supported and present. Her teamwork, reliability, and care for others truly make a difference.
Madeline Ebling – Benjamin Banneker Elementary – 3rd Grade ELA
- Her instruction is clear, engaging, and built around helping students grow as readers and writers. She creates a classroom where students feel confident taking risks, asking questions, and developing a genuine love for literacy.
- Colleagues look to her for guidance, support, and problem‑solving because she leads with professionalism and positivity. She models what strong instructional leadership looks like — always prepared, always collaborative, and always focused on what’s best for students.
- Whether she’s planning thoughtful lessons, supporting teammates, or stepping in wherever she’s needed, she brings dedication and heart to everything she does.
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 School
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!
Katrina White – Banneker Elementary School
Congratulations to Katrina on being named Teacher of the Week! Katrina goes above by making sure every one of her 4th-grade students feels valued and supported. Her commitment goes far beyond her own classroom; she builds genuine, trusting relationships with students throughout the entire school, offering encouragement and kindness to anyone who crosses her path. Thank you for your dedication, Katrina, and congratulations!
Kaylee Reed – John Fiske Elementary
Congratulations to Kaylee Reed for being named Teacher of the Week! Kaylee is an incredibly hard worker who puts her whole heart into her job and her students’ education. She genuinely loves her students so much and will create personal connections with each student who comes into her classroom. Thank you for all of your hard work, Kaylee!
Jalen Gant – Banneker Elementary
Jalen Gant was voted this week’s Teacher of the Week! Coach Gant creates an environment where students feel supported, respected, and motivated. Jalen brings an unmatched energy to the school that motivates students and fellow teachers. His professionalism, positive attitude, and work ethic set a standard for others. Thank you for all you do, Jalen, and congratulations!
Alison Latcham – Antioch Middle School
Congratulations to Alison Latcham for being named Teacher of the Week! Alison strives to connect with not just her students, but her coworkers as well. She has been nicknamed “Mama Bear” by her students because of her natural, caring nature. Thank you for the impact you make, Alison, and congratulations!
Allison Mehl – John Fiske Elementary
Congratulations to Alison Mehl for being named Teacher of the Week! Alison brings passion and creativity to her third-grade classroom by incorporating costumes, fun activities, and character voices! She goes above and beyond in the personal care and attention she gives both current and past students. Thank you for all of your help, Alison, and congratulations!
Larry Wren – Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
Congratulations, Larry Wren, for being named Teacher of the Week! Larry strengthens teaching and learning across the entire building by guiding students, assisting teachers, and keeping the school running smoothly. He has a passion for the school, his students, and coworkers. Thank you for everything you do, Larry, and congratulations!