Donna Kenyon: Teacher of the Year

San Ramon Valley Unified School District has named its Teacher of the Year: Donna Kenyon.

She will represent the district in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year program.

Kenyon, who is in her 11th year teaching at , was recognized at the March 22 school board meeting.

“As being our teacher of the year, it is an important aspect in that you are the role model for others in that role,” board member Ken Mintz said. “[Kenyon] has been the role model and people see that already.”

One thing she was recognized for is a Reading Writing project in which she mentors other teachers using Skype.

“What we really have recognized her for the last few years is the Reading Writing project,” said Christine Williams, assistant superintendent of educational services. “She has been trained through Columbia, but she has given a lot of her time to become a mentor and a trainer in our district around the Reading Writing project.”

Board Vice President Greg Marvel said he thinks the project has made an immeasurable difference to students.

“You clearly had figured out how to bring adults and kids and everyone together to create a real collaborative environment, and I think that’s just so impressive,” board President Paul Bardner said to Kenyon.

Kenyon, a Canadian, came to San Ramon with her husband in 2000. She has taught fourth and fifth grade at John Baldwin since.

She started teaching special education in Calgary, Canada, 15 years ago after learning sign language. She switched to regular education after starting at John Baldwin.

“I want to say thank you so much,” Kenyon said. “I am unbelievably humbled and overwhelmed by this honor. So thank you.”

She received a standing ovation from colleagues, students and teachers.

Darlene Hale, John Baldwin’s principal, announced and presented Kenyon at the meeting.

“She has developed the talent of finding the unique gifts of each of her pupils,” Hale said. “In making this award to Donna, we are celebrating her uniqueness.”

Kenyon learned she'd been named Teacher of the Year when she was pulled into the office by Williams.

“I’m totally overwhelmed and extremely honored,” Kenyon said. “I truly feel I am accepting this on behalf of so many other teachers who do such great work.”

She said she loves being a teacher because she loves trying to find the gifts in every student, and to be able to witness the potential and talents of her students every day in her classroom.

Being a teacher is all about the students and it is important for teachers to collaborate across schools, Kenyon said.

“I echo what everyone else said,” Bardner told the teacher. “We couldn’t have a finer teacher represent the district, and we thank you for all you’ve done.”