Jan
2012

Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert is the math queen of queens. She works extremely hard to make sure that lessons she presents to her students are the best and clearest they can be. Her students love her class and appreciate all the help she offers them before and after school. She's also a huge help to the MESA program. Thanks for all you do for SoJo Mary.

Mary is an amazing math teacher!! She works very hard arriving very early every morning and staying late every afternoon. She has spent many hours in planning for the new math curriculum this year, including attending summer classes, after school meetings, and working with fellow math teachers. Her insight into the new curriculum is invaluable. We at SoJo are very lucky to have Mary on our team.

-- Comments from faculty nominations

Shelly Gottfredson

Shelly is a very able administrator. She is supportive and helpful. Shelly is a great friend and we are lucky to have her here at SJMS.

Shelly has been super supportive to me as a teacher when dealing with our wonderful SoJo students or with any other issues that have come up. She deals with the students fairly and responsibly. Thanks for being a great admin!

I enjoy working with Shelly, she is so great to have at SOJO. She is a hard worker, takes care of situations promptly and does a great job with the students. She’s an asset to our school and makes things fun.

-- Comments from faculty nominations

Dec
2011

Amanda Davis

Amanda is incredible. She is so kind and patient with every student she works with. When a difficult case comes her way she takes it on and goes above and beyond her job description. I know that she sincerely cares for every student that steps into her classroom. I appreciate how she is always so willing to help.

It is a pleasure working with Amanda Davis. She is soft-spoken and flies “under the radar.” She is an amazing teacher and person. She is kind, courteous, and takes the time to really listen when you are speaking to her. The students really like her, and her class has a warm and inviting atmosphere. She is an advocate for our ELL students. She is so great in helping them feel more comfortable here at SoJo. Ms. Davis is a remarkable teacher and person.

-- Comment from coworker nomination

Spencer Young

Spencer is wonderful to work with. I have worked with him on a continuing basis with a couple of my students, and he is always willing to help in any way he can. He has good suggestions for problem situations. He has done presentations in my class this year, and he is awesome with the students. He talks about things that are of interest to them, and students really relate to him. He goes the extra mile in making his presentations and lessons outstanding. The students know he cares!

I've really enjoyed the opportunities I've had to associate and work with Spencer. He works very well with all of his students but is particularly good working with those students who have very unique and challenging situations. He has given me many ideas and insights on how to help these students that have really made a difference in my teaching. Kindness and compassion are just two of the many qualities that describes Spencer Young.

-- Comment from coworker nomination

Nov
2011

Shawn McLeod

One thing that I think is great about Shawn is that no matter how stressful things are, or how many things he has on his plate, he always exudes positive energy. He is always smiling, pleasant to be around, and makes time for your when you need an answer to a question.

Shawn is a super principal. He is kind and always takes time to listen to parents, students, and teachers. Even if he is busy working, he always greets you with a smile and is ready to listen. His kind ways and humble attitude make working at SOJO a fun place to be! He goes the extra mile in working ot keep SOJO a top middle school.

Shawn is the perfect person to be principal because he is such a people person. Everyone respects him and wants to help him accomplish his goals for our school. The students know he cares about them and they trust him to make decisions that will be best for them. As a teacher, I know he tries to understand my point of view and wants what is best for the faculty as well as students and parents. His talents and gifts make him an amazing principal.

-- Comments from faculty nominations

Gaylene Phister

Who doesn’t love Gaylene? She is always positive and happy to help. She has done a great job jumping into a very hard position. She has a beautiful smile that lights up her face, and it is a pleasure working with her.

I love Gaylene. She is so friendly and happy to help everyone in the office. She is fun loving and enjoys people. I always feel welcome when I go to the office. I am sure that all patrons to our school feel the same way.

I love Gaylene. She is more than willing to bend over backwards to help you out. She is kind and always positive. We love having her in the office running our school!!

-- Comments from faculty nominations

Oct
2011

Pat Doty

Pat Doty is a wonderful, compassionate teacher. I have never heard a student speak of her in a negative way. They all love her! She provides the great balance of good discipline, well-behaved classes, while also being approachable and kind with her students. She is a patient teacher who is willing to work with her students. Pat is a pro when it comes to teaching math, running an effective classroom, and caring about her students.

-- Comment from coworker nomination

Caleb Olson

No one has quite the quick wit that Caleb has. He is very funny, and he always provides the perfect balance of professionalism and fun. His students have mentioned to me how much they enjoy his humor in the classroom as well. It is a joy to work with Caleb Olson!

-- Comment from coworker nomination