Four Healdsburg teachers recognized
Four Healdsburg Unified School District (HUSD) educators were honored by the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise on Wednesday, May 6 at a Teacher Recognition Breakfast. Each of the teachers received a plaque and a $500 check from the club.
Honored was a high school math teacher who educates his students through “play,” a female physical education instructor who has revamped department curriculum at the junior high, a fifth grade teacher who leads by example and a longtime educator who teaches fourth grade and has been involved with many instruction enhancing programs.
The awardees were nominated on-site. Rotarians then went out to each classroom to see the teachers in their element.
“All of us have been to school. We watched our teachers for years. The talented teachers make it look so easy, but we know now as older adults that it’s far from easy to do it well. To be a teacher at this level requires a wide array of skills: patience, insight, compassion, organization, vision, communication skills, on and on. We have four people here today and I’ve visited all of their classes many times. All four of them are at the top of their game, they’re an inspiration to our students, and I wish you all could watch them when they’re in action,” Superintendent Jeff Harding said at the event.
Bryan Davis has served in numerous roles at Healdsburg High School (HHS), but mostly he has been a math teacher. Over the last few years, Davis has begun to take on a leadership role on campus. He first advocated for increased instructional technology in the classroom. This role grew to include him serving on the district’s Technology Innovation Design Team and working as a technology coach on campus. His engineering background has led to the creation of a new “engineering pathway” at HHS, and he wants his students to learn through play, that is, creative and engaging problem solving.
Jenean Bingham has been teaching in the HUSD for 13 years, both at the high school, and at the junior high for the last five years. Bingham has transformed the physical education department’s curriculum to focus on health, fitness and healthy lifestyles. Bingham also designs team “HJH Days,” which take place on the first two days of school and incorporate team building, problem solving and positive school culture. She frequently volunteers for school fieldtrips, rallies, assemblies, fundraisers and special events.
Lisa Phipps teaches fifth grade at Healdsburg Charter School at Fitch Mountain Campus, with a focus on 21st Century learning. Phipps manages an active classroom and leads by example. She reflects and evaluates her teaching techniques and is willing to try new ideas. She has high expectations for herself and her students. Phipps was recently chosen to be featured on a “Thank a Teacher” poster, which will be displayed on a Sonoma County Transit Bus.
Kathy Robinson has been an educator for 33 years, teaching oversees and locally. Robinson currently teaches fourth grade in the Accelerated English program at Fitch Mountain Campus. Robinson is consistent and supportive, and has worked hard to learn a new program to support English learners. Robinson is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to improve and reflect on her practice, and has been a part of many programs that enhance instruction.
Healdsburg Sunrise President Pam Moulton addressed the educators at the end of the breakfast. “Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to honor you today,” she said. “Thank you all for being such an inspiration.”
