School District Honors Teachers of the Year

From the San Ramon Valley Unified School District: On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s (SRVUSD) Board of Education recognized Kelly Giotta and Marissa Ware as the 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year.

Giotta is a 6th grade Core teacher at Gale Ranch Middle School in San Ramon. Ware is a 2nd grade teacher at John Baldwin Elementary School in Danville and a District literacy teacher-on-special-assignment. Giotta and Ware will represent the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Program.

“When people tell me that they moved to the San Ramon Valley for our schools, they really mean they moved here for the staff members who make our schools such special places. Both Kelly and Marissa represent the best of the best and we are so fortunate to have such excellent teachers working with our students,” said SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt. “Congratulations to Marissa and Kelly on this achievement!”

In 2012, Giotta joined SRVUSD at Gale Ranch Middle School where she has taught an array of subjects including Core and Spanish. At Gale Ranch she has been a champion for a number of programs including the Magnet English Learners program, the Columbia Reading and Writer’s teaching strategies, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, the Geography Bee and school’s drama program.

“Kelly’s classroom is every principal’s dream—engaging, rigorous, inclusive, safe—it’s where I send teachers to learn and bring visitors to observe,” said Gale Ranch Middle School Principal Sue Goldman. “She embodies the essence of Gale Ranch Middle School.”

Ware has been with SRVUSD since 2000. As a 2nd grade teacher at John Baldwin Elementary, she creates an engaging classroom environment where students experience hands-on learning through cross-curricular lessons. As a literacy coach, she facilitates professional development that supports teachers in developing creative strategies that support student growth.

“The staff of John Baldwin couldn’t be more proud of Marissa. As a teacher and literacy coach Marissa exemplifies our school’s educational philosophy: teaching to the whole child and instilling a love and joy of learning,” said John Baldwin Principal Joe Romagna. “Her classroom lessons are filled with imagination, inquiry, and wonder. Marissa has taken her role as a literacy teacher on special assignment to heart. I think she has true talent and future in coaching. Many staff members have told me how appreciative they are for Marissa’s mentoring and the tools and strategies that she has shared. As a principal I am thankful for the time and resources she has provided to me as I continue to grow as an educator.”

Each year all Contra Costa County School Districts select Teachers of the Year. An expertcommittee, with representatives from education and the community, then chooses one of these candidates to represent Contra Costa County in the State Teacher of the Year Program.

Photo courtesy of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District: (L to R) SRVUSD Board President Mark Jewett, Kelly Giotta, Marissa Ware, SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt