Employee Recognition
RAVE: Recognizing All Valuable Employees
Education is a people business – we are only as strong as the people who work with our children and keep our schools open and running every day. This page is an opportunity to recognize those employees for their commitment to education, their many years of service, or simply, their helpful attitude.
Nomination Forms
You can nominate any district employee for recognition. Nominated employees will be highlighted on this page. All nominees will also be considered for formal recognition by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
Tell us about SFUSD employees who make a difference:
RAVES
ExCEL After School Programs Team
(Lucy Hong, Michael Luk, Karen Polk, Matt Pemberton, Karina Henriquez, Jennifer Quevedo-Serrano, Aurelio Cisneros, Ann Collaco, Amy Adkins)
“Their unwavering support of students in SFUSD is to be commended. Through their leadership, over 15,000 students continue to be served in free after school programming.” - Nominated 06/2011 by: Supervisor
Edna Kwan, 3rd Grade Teacher - Ulloa Elementary School
“Ms. Kwan is a dedicated teacher who have served students in the SFUSD for over 23 years. In additon to being an effective and caring classroom teacher, Ms. Kwan serves as the grade level team leader, School Site Council Member, as well as on the Leadership Team at Ulloa.” - Nominated 02/2012
Robert Broecker, Principal - Alvarado Elementary School
“Impossibly hardworking, committed to fairness and social justice. Gives far more of himself than is required or expected, and does so in a way that does not draw attention to himself.” - Nominated 01/2012
Jessica Colvin, Wellness Coordinator - Galileo Academy of Science and Technology High School
“Jessica is an incredibly compassionate adult & mentor for our students and a supportive co-worker & supervisor for our staff. Jessica is a strong leader, a visionary, and at the same time pays incredible attention to detail.” - Nominated 11/2011
San Francisco Public Montessori Team Room 101 (Jimmie McGee, Sandra Yu)
“These two dedicated paraprofessionals have held their room together in the absence of a teacher so far this year. They have shown excellence in the ways of professionalism and child-centered thoughtfulness!” - Nominated 11/2011
Lauri Leber, 3rd Grade Teacher - Ulloa Elementary School
“Lauri is a compassionate teacher who does care about her students. Lauri has a wonderful sense of humor and makes all of laugh.” - Nominated 11/2011 by: Co-Worker
Linda Hills, Student Advisor - New Traditions Elementary School
“Ms. Hills is, and has been for many years, a caring and dedicated advocate for the students and families at New Traditions. She is loved by students, parents, teachers and staff members. She is the most fantastic family liaison!” - Nominated 11/2011
Jilma Ortiz, 2nd Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher - Alvarado Elementary School
“She has outstanding classroom management skills! She is constantly integrating new ideas and trends into her classroom and curriculum. When training her students to follow directions, she gives constant positive feedback.” - Nominated 11/2011
Marissa Miller, Pre-K SDC Teacher - Paul Revere Elementary School
“Marissa Miller is an advocate for students with disabilities rights to receive a education that is equal if not better than general ed students. She works diligently to find multiple community partners to provide educational experiences.” - Nominated 11/2011
Sheri Whitney, Band Teacher - A.P. Giannini Middle School
“Sheri creates a group where students not only have the advantage of growing personally and musically, but also a group that they can be proud of. She is deligent, hardworking and sets very clear expectations.” - Nominated 11/2011
Carol Wood, School Secretary - Cesar Chavez Elementary School
“Carol always has a positive outlook and organization skills are amazing. Carol has made it a point to communicate with the families of our children. She has such a strong commitment to our community and the environment.” - Nominated 11/2011
Albert Johnson, Security - A. P Giannini Middle School
“Albert provides consistant support and is creates opportunities for students to be part of the school. He is helpful to both adults and students.” - Nominated 11/2011
Erin Lynch, Administrator - Achievement Assessments Office
“She's genuine, caring, funny, hard working, good listener, good teacher, gets along with everyone, and is supportive and positive.” - Nominated 11/2011
Michael Eng, Personnel Analyst - Human Resources
Michael assisted me with hiring for an open position in my department. Throughout the entire process he showed tremendous customer service. He is friendly, helpful and thorough.” - Nominated 11/2011
HR - Substitute Office Team (Becky Lowe, Francena Cranshaw)
“This team is people focused. They spend all day on the phone fixing problems. They must deal with adults who are stressed, impatient and upset. They handle all calls graciously and solve problems continuously.” - Nominated 11/2011
Student Nutrition Services Team (Ed Wilkins, Noelia Oropeza)
“This team secured a donation of 3,000+ lunches, drinks and snacks for students and chaperones for SFUSD's 3rd Annual SF Promise College and Career EXPO. They not only saved the district more than $5,000, but had the donation delivered and supervised distribution of the meals!” - Nominated 10/2011
Benjamin Rombro, Grade Level Counselor - Aptos Middle School
“Mr. Rombro is one of the most liked, professional and fair employees at Aptos. He is known for nicknaming students, lightening the mood in complicated meetings, and pulling the positive theme from any conflict.“ - Nominated 10/2011
Megan Caluza, Special Education Teacher - El Dorado Elementary School
“Megan works tirelessly with her students and colleagues to support the full inclusion of students with special needs. She is a valuable resource for staff, given her incredible knowledge of techniques, strategies, and special education law.” - Nominated 10/2011
Verlyn Papillon, ADA - Human Resources
“He has worked tirelessly to assist me with some ADA accommodations. He was extraordinarily professional in the face of conflict. He was able to juggle multiple concerns and arrive at a reasonable conclusion.” - Nominated 08/2011
Tina Bell, Scheduler - Transportation
“In spring 2011, Tina Bell assisted in finding a missing special education student. Tina was very helpful and had wonderful follow-through to assure that the missing student was found. “- Nominated 08/2011
Robert Sautter, Kindergarten Teacher - Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School
“Robert loves his students and is dedicated to making sure all our children receive an equitable education. Once a month he goes to Treasure Island to tutor children and rallies other teachers to go with him.” - Nominated 08/2011
Saldana Ignacio, Teacher - Independence High School
“Mr. Saldana was a colleague of mine for six years. In all these years of working with him, I was most impressed by silent and steadfast presence he provided his students. He truely, in my mind, is an example of a true educator.” - Nominated 08/2011
Elizabeth Turner, Staffign - Human Resources
“Ms. Turner is incredibly professional, knowledgeable and efficient. She always follows through on her work, and supports schools in countless ways with all staffing needs.” - Nominated 08/2011
Monroe Elementary School Team (Jennifer Steiner, Tania May)
“This team exhibits excellence in team work and communication, knowledge of students needs, cooperativeness with families and showcases cross-discipline professionalism.” - Nominated 06/2011
Larry Burnett & Staff Building and Grounds - Facilities
“Larry Burnett & Staff from Buildings and Grounds deserve praise for the exemplary work they did in making signs for the newly named Leola M. Havard Early Education School. Their professionalism, tenacity helped to meet our deadline of May 19th for the Renaming & Dedication Ceremony.” - Nominated 05/2011
Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely, BTSA Coach - Academic & Professional Development
“Vanessa has been the ONLY person I have ever met from APD that has consistently and conscientiously provided support to our school site for two years, starting with her being assigned as our "primary contact" in 2009.” - Nominated 05/2011
Library Services Team (Rachelle Resnick, Michelle Powers, Ellen Woo)
“They are incredibly supportive and helpful. They provide assistance, professional development opportunities, and hands-on help to all of the Teacher Librarians in the district.” - Nominated 05/2011
Marlene Ligsay, Assistant Principal - Phillip and Sala Burton Academic High School
“Marlene is an extremely dedicated SFUSD employee who values the individual student as well as the collective school body at Burton.” - Nominated 05/2011
Jennifer Tom, 1st Grade Teacher - Jefferson Elementary School
“Ms. Tom has high expectations for ALL her students and guides them along to meet them. Ms. Tom has great classroom management skills and provides an engaging curriculum.” - Nominated 05/2011
Lakeshore Elementary Team (Alvina Chan and Student Teacher Corrina Hui)
“This year they have worked together to create a special learning environment for their class. The cheerful rapport between the two of them is infectious.” - Nominated 05/2011
Aimee Yu, Kindergarten Teacher - CIS at De Avila Elementary School
“She goes above and beyond to ensure her students learn in a meaningful way. The positive qualities she demonstrates daily are: commitment to excellence, being upbeat, funny and innovative at attaining teachable moments for all her students.” - Nominated 05/2011
Bob Hessler, Traffic Control - Clarendon Elementary School
“Bob is always kind, patient, and completely in control. He handles all the kids/parents/cars with timely cohesion and order. Not to mention, he always has a smile and keeps everything running smoothly.” - Nominated 04/2011
Paula Niland, Librarian - Miraloma Elementary School
“Ms. Niland's commitment to our children is awe inspiring. She always has a smile for everyone and always brings a sense of excitement about reading to our students.” - Nominated 04/2011 by: SFUSD Parent
Laticia Erving, Parent Liaison - John Muir Elementary School
“Ms. Erving is a tremendous advocate for parents in the district. She works tirelessly to engage and build capacity among our families.“ - Nominated 03/2011
Megan Mackey, 4th/5th Grade Teacher - Jean Parker Elementary School
“Megan has taken on her role as an educator with great gusto. She works endless hours to prepare lessons, assess students, support her students in their learning” - Nominated 03/2011
Linda Sawamoto, Teacher - Achievement Assessments Office
“She's a hard working, friendly, dedicated and never tiring person. She does everything with heart and to the fullest. She leaves no stone unturned.” - Nominated 03/2011
Bridget Early, LSP - Everett Middle School
“Bridget works tirelessly to connect with students and families. She goes above and beyond everyday. Bridget has created practical programs that meet student need on multiple levels.” - Nominated 03/2011
James Samuel, Child Development Teacher - Presidio Child Development
“Jamie works to meet the individual needs of all the children and works to connect social/ emotional and academics within the daily experiences. Jamie plays a major role in creating a strong classroom culture. He supports the children to create positive social interactions as well as ownership of the classroom” - Nominated 03/2011
Archie Fokin, Director - Educational Placement Center
“Archie is a very hard working director, sets good examples and is firm when making decisions. He is a exemplary person, always taking care of his employees and providing a safe and nurturing environment.” - Nominated 03/2011
Winsome So, Kindergarten teacher - West Portal Elementary School
“Ms. So works tirelessly to make sure all children reach their maximum potential in the Chinese Immersion Program. The non-Chinese students are doing very well and on their way to Cantonese fluency thanks to Ms. So!” - Nominated 03/2011
Jerold Robinson, Security Guard - Dr. Charles R. Drew College Preparatory Academy
“Mr. Robinson goes above and beyond his duty as a Security Guard. At recess, he plays basketball with the scholars, he counsels youngsters who need breaks, is a listening ear for parents and can be found in every classroom working with students who need extra support.” - Nominated 03/2011
Audrey Soule, Math Teacher - Ruth Asawa School of the Arts
“Ms. Soule is a great math teacher, who works so hard for her students. She has inspired me. She makes math fun! She wrote math songs to the melodies of other music to help us learn…”- Nominated 03/2011
David Reiss, 1st Grade Teacher - Claire Lilienthal Elementary School
“David Reiss teaches to the class as well as to the students as individuals. He communicated effectively and has created a structured and transparent environment around discipline in the classroom.” - Nominated 03/2011
Jefferson Elementary Inclusion Support Team (Gloria Flores, Karen Walton, Franci Lee, Melissa Barrett, Helen Chow, Peggy Ling, Kathy Louie, Helen Lee, Athene Woo, Rebecca Lo, and Annie Yeung)
“Always striving to learn more about the students they support, this team takes the extra time to access resources and organizations that support our students.” - Nominated 03/2011
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Madelyne Van Meerbeek/King, Substitute Teacher
"She stays with students who are having difficulty (esp. Math) until they completely understand and can do the work with ease! She is reliable and steadfast." Read more
Albert Johnson, Security Aide
"Mr. Johnson has created a safe, secure, and caring environment for our students here at A.P.G. He greets all students with a smile and hello, usually knows each name every day, rain or shine. When a problem occurs, he is on it, making the situation safe for all involved." Read more
Staff, John Yehall Chin Elementary School
"The staff at John Yehall Chin work cohesively with one another to solve issues when they arise." Read more
Staff, Payroll Operations Department
"Payroll Operations is a department that always gives more than 100% even in a fire." Read more
Brian Garcia, Data Analyst, State and Federally Funded Programs
"There are many folks trying to fill the budget gap by cuts or grants, but Brian is an example of an employee who is making the recycling of functional resources a solution for our neediest schools." Read more
Room 5 Team, Charles Drew College Prep. Academy
"They welcome each student every morning with a smile, and they make each student feel welcome." Read more
Yolanda Nickelson, School Nurse, Student Support Services
"We have families in transition at our school and Yolanda goes the extra mile to help." Read more
Spanish Immersion Team, Daniel Webster Elementary School
"The staff at Daniel Webster has shown great patience and commitment to the parents and students that are a part of the school community." Read more
International Studies Academy School Community, International Studies Academy
"Watching how the staff has handled some difficult situations has made it clear to me that this school is about the students, about supporting them in making good choices in their school and in their lives." Read more
Special Education Team, Francis Scott Key Elementary School
"The most positive thing about this team is that they stay enthusiastic about their job and treat each student and family with dignity and respect." Read more
Teach for America Interns, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
"They are always willing to take on new challenges and provide leadership despite the fact that this is their first year of teaching." Read more
Bonnie Kong, Secretary, Hoover Middle School
"She truly keeps our school engine running everyday from 7am-5pm, and goes above and beyond to make school a safe and supportive learning environment for students and families." Read more
Carley Amigone, Learning Support Professional, Bessie Carmichael K-8
"Through various support groups, meetings, one-on-one time, and mentoring activities she has demonstrated to students that she is there for them and cares greatly." Read more
Maria Alberigi, Secretary, Newcomer High School
"This woman enjoys helping others and giving guidance. You can tell she enjoys the school and her job." Read more
Jennifer Man, Teacher, Spring Valley Elementary School
"She plans her lessons while keeping in mind each student's individual learning style." Read more
Sue Moock, Executive Secretary, Finance Office
Sue is always willing to help every department by going the extra mile. Read more
Christopher Rosenberg, Principal, Starr King Elementary School
He has attended funerals, weddings, graduations, hospital visits and written grants for a wellness program to ameliorate the misfortunes/needs some of our families face. Read more
Christine Spagnuolo, Secretary, Willie Brown Jr. Academy
She's self-sufficient and extremely efficient. Read more
Becky Lee, Custodian, Willie Brown Jr. Academy
She interacts with the kids every day and keeps everyone smiling. Read more
Mark Erikksson, Teacher, Mission High School
He is an outstanding example of professionalism mixed with genuine concern for educating special needs students and is proactive about addressing needs and communicating with parents. Read more
Paula Baum, School District Nurse, Student Support Services
She will go to any length to identify and secure services for children in need. Read more
Sarah Pooner, Teacher, Aptos Middle School
Young, right out of college, and under control; Sarah is the brightest, young-star teacher I have ever met. Read more
Alana Ramirez, Assistant Manager, Educational Placement Center
Alana is a very hard working person, always doing her best to provide services to our customers at EPC, as well as the staff. Read more
Larry Alegre, Principal, Buena Vista Alternative
Mr. Alegre celebrates and encourages multiculturalism by acknowledging diversity in his community and giving parents, students and teachers ample opportunity to create and participate in events that reflect the mosaic of cultures in his community. Read more
Sarah Tiu, Administrative Assistant, Child Development Program
Regardless of the task presented to her, our entire unit knows that the task will be done expertly, flawlessly, and promptly. Read more