Renton Schools Honors 5 'Outstanding' Educators

RENTON, WA - The Renton School Board recently selected five district employees from among more than 50 nominees for the 2017 outstanding employee awards.

The district has been giving out the awards for over 30 years, and the awards go to teachers, administrators, and support staff.

Here are the 2017 winners, according to the Renton School District:

Outstanding Elementary Teacher - Roni Nielson, 2nd-grade Teacher, Hazelwood Elementary School

Roni Nielson has worked at Hazelwood Elementary School for 18 years. Roni is an exceptional teacher-leader and her classroom is known as a place where all students are highly engaged and are challenged to meet high expectations. Her coworkers know her as a well-informed member of the team, knowledgeable in areas of student behavior and data collection; and always ready to share her professional knowledge and expertise with others. Roni regularly takes students on local field trips to better connect the classroom with the world around them. Roni has bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Washington University.

Outstanding Secondary Teacher - Carolyn Hahn, Special Education Teacher, Hazen High School

Carolyn has been a teacher for five years; three of those at Hazen High School. She has taught language arts, social studies and mathematics for special education students at all high school grade levels. She is a skilled teacher who provides students with thought-provoking instruction, hands-on learning and steady guidance. She is also a leader among peers, and is known for her wiliness and ability to collaborate to bring the best possible instruction to all students; a personal commitment to deliver consistent instruction; and making herself available to students outside of the classroom. Carolyn is actively involved in student- and staff-related committees, clubs, programs and activities. She is a well-respected member of the Hazen staff, and always dedicates her time to mentor students and teachers as a model of best practices in instruction. Carolyn has a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education from University of Illinois; and a Master’s in Curriculum/Instruction from Western Governors University.

Outstanding Building Support Persons (1) - Megan Allison, Paraeducator, Meadow Crest Early Learning Center

Megan Allison is a paraprofessional and school librarian. In her work as an educator and caregiver, Megan provides care for young children, some with life-threatening health issues. In some instances, Megan has not only provided daily care and educational guidance to these fragile children, she has literally saved their lives in time of debilitating seizers or other life-health matters. Megan’s work as an educator and caregiver means that as she provides education and classroom instruction, she must also constantly monitor her student’s health, and be ready to administer a care plan and emergency protocols to ensure the livelihood of her medically fragile students. Megan is dedicated and generous to her co-workers, students and families. She is known as a great listener, facilitator and motivator, and has worked hard to create a school culture of trust and inclusiveness. She honors teachers and support staff by ensuring their needs are met and by engaging them in thoughtful best practices, reflection and decision-making and helps to wisely use their training time. She helps teachers analyze each student’s data to create meaningful individualized learning plans. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Seattle University.

Outstanding Building Support Persons (1) - Irene Olson, Principal, Tiffany Park Elementary School
Irene Olson has been principal at Tiffany Park Elementary School for more than a decade. She has spent nearly 30 years as an educator including as a teacher at Bryn Mawr Elementary and Renton High. Irene is known by students, parents, teachers and support staff for her positive and collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to student learning. She is a leader, known by students, parents and staff as a go-to person for understanding and navigating a school system. Her daily work includes helping children be more successful in school; assisting parents in becoming more familiar and comfortable with school; and helping staff navigate the myriad processes to help them account for hours worked, benefits, pay and other things so they can stay focused on high-quality classroom instruction. Irene’s work also includes helping parents become better able to provide education at home; managing and evaluating teachers and school support staff; providing professional development, counseling, mentorship, leadership; and much more. Irene has a Master’s Degree in Germanics from the University of Washington and a Bachelor’s in Russian also from UW.

Outstanding District Support Person - Shantika O’Pharrow, Substitute Specialist, Human Resources Department

Shantika O’Pharrow has worked in the district for four years, serving in various roles that support teaching and school support. Her first job in the district was front office receptionist at the district office. She was literally the first person to greet parents, guests, community members, and staff as they entered district headquarters. Her welcoming presence and eagerness to help made the experience of visiting the district office enjoyable and productive for so many people. Shantika learned quickly and took on jobs all around the district office. She now helps many teachers and staff by answering questions and assisting with rules and paperwork around substitute staffing, payroll, absence management, student information services and more. Her work touches nearly every teacher and staff member in the district. Shantika is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Images and descriptions via Renton School District