When adults achieve, students succeed

“When adults achieve, students succeed”
Honoring
Our Own
EMPLOY EE RECOGNITION CEREMON Y
May 8, 2014 | Scottish Rite Center, Oakland
Our Mission
All students will graduate. As a result, they are caring,
competent and critical thinkers, fully-informed, engaged and
Our Board
President David Kakishiba
contributing citizens prepared to succeed in college, career,
Vice President James Harris
and community.
Jody London
Our Vision
Jumoke Hinton Hodge
To reestablish schools as centers of community, by
transforming OUSD into a full-service community school
Christopher Dobbins
Anne Campbell Washington
district.
Roseann Torres
In addition to high-quality instruction, health, physical
Student Directors
education, nutrition, medical, dental , recreation, housing,
employment and language acquisition services are provided
in this model, with the school acting as the hub of activity/
The emphasis is on educating and caring for the whole
child. Social and human services are not seen as extra or
add-ons in these schools. Instead, collaborating in service of
the well-being of children and families is how these schools
consistently behave.
Our Priorities
Safe, Healthy, and Supportive Schools
High Quality Effective Instruction
College and Career Readiness literacy
Our Goal
To build a Full-Service Community School District that
cares for the whole child, eliminates inequity and provides all
students with an excellent teacher each and every day.
Carmen Jimenez
Katebah Al-Olef
May 8, 2014
Greetings!
It is my privilege to introduce to you the 35 remarkable OUSD individuals
and the one amazing team who are recipients of the 2014 Honoring Our
Own Awards. This year will mark the 5th year of this event; a look back
to 2009 will reveal how much change we have seen since these awards
began. We engaged in an unprecedented and wide-reaching planning
process with our staff, families and community to craft, adopt and
implement a Five Year Strategic Plan -Community Schools, Thriving
Students- where all students are served in a Full-Service Community
School District. Now, almost 5 years later, this vision of inclusivity,
collaboration and partnership informs many aspects of District practice,
planning and culture.
We know that OUSD’s employees are key to the change we wish to create.
Everyone in the district has an important role to play in the lives of
students, and everyone’s best work is necessary for us meet our ambitious
goal of college, career and community success for every student. Tonight
we honor and celebrate those who represent our collective best effort.
What exemplifies the teachers, leaders and support staff we honor
tonight? They have brought technical excellence to their work, and they
have been guided by their determination to do what is right and fair.
They have unhesitatingly made an investment in a child’s or family’s
trust. They hug, smile, encourage, cry, burn the midnight oil and never
stop fighting to make OUSD into a truly revolutionary institution. They
are committed to sending young people out into the world not only fully
understanding the fact and context of what has come before, but also
possessed of the skills to collaborate, lead and break the injurious patterns
of the past, in order to lead to a brighter, more hopeful future.
Every winner we honor tonight, whatever their job with OUSD, is
someone who has demonstrated that every day, in their work, they
find their direction and measure their own success through their
contributions to the success of our students. These are the people who
understand, say and believe:
“I work for Oakland’s Children — I am
The Oakland Way!”
Please join me in extending heartiest congratulations and thanks to every
one of these extraordinary individuals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Yee
Acting Superintendent
Event Schedule
5:30 – 6:30pm . . . . . . . . . Social Hour and Dinner
6:30pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcoming Remarks
6:40pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oakland Youth Chorus Chamber Singers
6:45pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Awards Presentations by Board of Education
8:00pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Closing Remarks and Appreciations
Tonight’s entertainment is provided by the Chamber Singers
of the Oakland Youth Chorus.
Founded in 1974, the Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) is the oldest and longest running youth
chorus in the East Bay. OYC’s mission focuses on creating and sustaining programs of high
artistic merit that are accessible to and supportive of children and youth who might otherwise
not be able to experience the joy of making music with others.
OYC programs build multicultural understanding and respect, intentionally bringing together
Oakland youth across lines of class, race, and culture, to study a culturally diverse repertoire
that teaches the historical and social context of music, enhancing the understanding of and
respect for diverse cultural traditions and heritages through musical excellence.
OYC youth develop self-confidence, a knowledge of the music of several cultures, musical skills
and positive avenues for personal expression, and a lifelong love of music.
600 singers at 20 sites participate in Oakland Youth Chorus each year. School programs include:
• K-5 Miracle Chorus focuses on developing rhythmic, melodic, and beginning theory skills
through songs, games and movement showcasing the world’s cultures. In-school vocal
based general music programming connects with classroom curricula and supports overall
academic learning.
• Middle School Chorus — In collaboration with Oakland Unified
School District and other partners, OYC extends choral music
education to four area schools — helping to expand access to
advanced choral training for students in East and West Oakland.
OYC has represented our community in seven states and three
countries through their touring programs.
Don’t miss the OYC Spring Concert “Broadway on Broadway!” May 10, 2014, 6:00 PM at the
First Presbyterian Church, 27th and Broadway, Oakland.
www.oaklandyouthchorus.org
SPECIAL GUESTS – OUSD TEACHERS
OF THE YEAR 2013-14 AND 2014-15
T
onight, we welcome four very special guests: our 2013-14 Teachers of the Year, Zach Pitt-Smith and Jenny Clark, and our
2014-15 Teachers of the Year Elect, Allison Streich and Sara Glasband. All four are previous winners of Honoring Our Own
awards for Teaching Excellence.
OUSD Teachers of the Year are selected using a number of criteria including: the recommendations of nominators, candidates’
personal statements of teaching philosophy, and selection committee classroom observations of candidates’ teaching practice,
environment, and students. OUSD Teachers of the Year are presented for consideration for recognition as Alameda County
Teacher of the Year; all county winners have the opportunity to progress to the State and National Teacher of the Year selection
process.
We congratulate and thank these four exemplary teachers for the work they do in service of OUSD’s students. You are all The
Oakland Way!
ZACHARY PITT-SMITH Teacher of the Year 2013-14
Zachary Pitt-Smith is a beloved and innovative teacher of instrumental music at Edna Brewer Middle School
where he introduces students to world music and many other varied styles. He has helped take the music
department at Edna Brewer to new heights, as its instrumental groups have earned substantial, local, regional
and national recognition and performed at venues such as Yoshi’s and AT&T Park. Edna Brewer Principal
Sam Pasarow notes that Zachary is an “incredibly passionate and effective band teacher whose love for music is
contagious in terms of high student engagement. The Edna Brewer band sounds as good as those that include
high school musicians. Zachary is committed to equity; he is an Edna Brewer treasure.”
JENNY CLARK Teacher of the Year 2013-14
Jenny Clark is an 11th Grade AP English and Drama 1 Teacher and Co-Director of the Visual Arts Academy at
Oakland High School. Jenny has also served as a Team Leader for the 9th Grade Small Learning Community at
Oakland High and the Assessment Group Leader for the WASC accreditation review. Her principal describes
Clark as “a wonderful, patient and highly skilled teacher, who is much loved and respected by students and
fellow teachers alike, who makes learning fun, yet challenging for her students, and is always willing to go the
extra mile to help her students catch-up or stay on top of their academic demands. Jenny Clark truly enjoys
being a teacher. It shows every day in her work with the students of Oakland High.”
ALISON STREICH Teacher of the Year (Elect) 2014-15
Alison Streich is a 20 year veteran OUSD teacher, who began as a kindergarten and special education teacher
and joined the OUSD Music Faculty in 2004. Her signature accomplishments include participation in the
original Music Integrated Learning Environment (MILE) program, cultivating an innovative collaboration
process between classroom teachers/students and music teachers that resulted in an original musical production
performed at Glenview in 2007; development of elementary school feeder programs in West Oakland schools
which have immeasurably strengthened the West Oakland Middle School music program, and Formation of the
Oakland Spirit Orchestra, which she describes as her “dream come true”.
SARAH GLASBAND Teacher of the Year (Elect) 2014-15
As a 10th grader at Skyline High school, Sarah Glasband realized her life’s mission was education in support
of social justice. She taught in Portland, Colorado, and a K-12 charter school and large mainstream high
school in South Central LA before finally returning to Oakland as a member of the MetWest faculty. Sara
describes her life’s work as creating a more just, equitable world; she is deeply invested in racial justice work,
and in facilitating restorative justice work in the classroom with students as an ongoing part of her practice.
Her curriculum is structured so that students identify and work on independent projects that not only support
academic goals but also contribute to their development as individuals as well as to the classroom community
and the Oakland community.
Celebrating Dr. Gary Yee
A Lifetime of Service
An Oakland native who has been an OUSD student, parent, Teacher,
Assistant Principal, Principal, Board Director and Superintendent,
Dr. Gary D. Yee has accomplished so much during a lifetime of
commitment to Oakland schools. As the most recent chapter (but
likely not the last!) in his OUSD story comes to an end, we celebrate
and thank him for innumerable and ineffable contributions to the
district and its students.
Gary graduated from Castlemont High School and his teaching
career began in 1973 with a third grade teaching assignment at
Cleveland Elementary School. His subsequent OUSD roles included
science prep teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment for the Gifted
and Talented Education Program (1983‐85), Assistant Principal at
Franklin Year‐Round School (1985‐87), Principal at Hillcrest School
(1987‐90) and Assistant to the Superintendent (1992‐1995).
From 1995 until 2005, Gary directed the Safe Passages Public Health
Initiative and the Oakland Education Cabinet, and also served in
full time faculty and administrative roles at Boston College, St.
Mary’s College of California and Holy Names University, preparing
superintendents, principals and teachers (many of whom became
OUSD faculty). Between 2005 – 2008, Gary served the Peralta
Colleges as Dean of Instruction for Merritt College in Oakland,
Director of Research, Associate Vice Chancellor of Planning , and
finally Vice Chancellor for Educational Services.
First elected to the OUSD Board of Education in 2002, Gary has been re‐elected twice, serving as President of the Board in 2005
and 2010, Vice President in 2005 and 2009, and Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee in 2009. His participation
on the Board has spanned wide fluctuations in the District’s fortunes, and his contribution as an intelligent and reasoned
voice during times of crisis cannot be adequately measured; he has been a force in establishing and implementing the highest
standards for professional communication and process for OUSD’s Board.
During the past year, as Acting Superintendent, Gary has exemplified leadership in service of the District. Entering his role with
cellular understanding of the district and its direction, his focus, and success, has been to support steady and uninterrupted
progress on implementing our 5-year Strategic Plan initiatives, and not allow work to be derailed by a leadership transition.
As we prepare to welcome a new Superintendent, we know that our future success rests so much on the foundation to which
Gary has contributed so much.
Thank you, Gary Yee, for a lifetime of service; you are the consummate model of
The Oakland Way!
E XCELLENCE IN EDUC ATIONAL SUPPOR T AWARDS
I
n OUSD, everyone’s work ultimately feeds toward our mission of graduating all students prepared to succeed in college, career,
and community; we may not all work on school campuses, but we are providing educational support. A strong and wellcoordinated team of adults, all working together to meet a wide range of student needs, is the foundation upon which OUSD
helps students achieve academic success, and to grow and thrive socially and emotionally.
Our awardees come from many different roles within OUSD; each has demonstrated technical excellence in performing their work,
and all have demonstrated commitment to contributing to creating the best possible educational environment, and outcomes, for
our students.
MARCUS BOARD Painter, Buildings and Grounds
Marcus Board has been nominated by the Alameda County Office of Education for recognition by the State of
California as Classified Employee of the Year.
A full-time painter with OUSD since 2007, Marcus Board is well-known and respected for his impeccable work,
professional and courteous demeanor, and dedication to OUSD’s students and staff. He has volunteered for
the last several years with the Facilities Summer Internship Program, modeling and teaching young people the
necessary skills for being not only a great painter, but also for becoming great members of society. As Acting
Lead last year, Marcus immediately earned the respect of his colleagues for his ability to supervise fairly and lead by example, coming
in early and staying late to ensure all work was properly completed. Generous, committed to collaboration and the growth of young
people, Marcus is The Oakland Way.
CHELITA BOLDEN Administrative Assistant I, Greenleaf Elementary
Ms. Bolden expresses warm support for every Greenleaf student while still holding them to the highest
expectations for behavior and academics. She is also clearly dedicated to making sure that teachers and staff
have the resources they need to reach and teach students. Greenleaf’s Assistant Principal reports: “Ms. Bolden
is so patient and kind; this year she has been responsible for my mastery and understanding of so many
important District processes, procedures, and calendars necessary for compliance and good management. She
has the highest level of integrity and models and inspires all of us to bring our highest ethical and professional
standards to our jobs.” Chelita Bolden is always present for students, staff and school -she is The Oakland Way!
BOBBY BROWN School Security Officer, Garfield Elementary
Bobby Brown has been nominated by the Alameda County Office of Education for recognition by the State of
California as Classified Employee of the Year.
School Security Officer Bobby Brown leverages his relationships with students to help them feel accountable to
an adult that cares. He maintains order compassionately and always with an eye to education; his interventions
always focus on providing students with opportunities to reflect on their actions, and to learn. Deeply involved
with campus life, Bobby leads the after-school sports program, supporting elementary athletes in learning
valuable lessons about teamwork, victory and defeat. He also leads the school choir, whose holiday performances bring the school
community together to rejoice in the power of love and caring. June sees the beginning of his summer program to help students
develop healthy habits of recreation and exercise. Bobby Brown is the heart of Garfield Elementary; he is truly the Oakland Way!
HELEN CHONG Secretary, Cleveland Elementary
Since 1988, Helen Chong has been the bilingual backbone of Cleveland elementary. She has served as the
school’s culture kee per and institutional memory throughout changes in administration, including four
principals in the last four years. Her encyclopedic knowledge of school and district policy and procedure help
support the school’s smooth operation during calm and busy times. Additionally, her work ethic sets the tone
for the entire school - walking to and from work every day, arriving at 8:00 and simply refusing to leave until the
day’s work is done. An OUSD graduate, Ms. Chong continues to serve and inspire the next generation of OUSD
students - her community roots and student focus epitomize The Oakland Way!
E XCELLENCE IN EDUC ATIONAL SUPPOR T AWARDS
ELIZABETH GONZALEZ Administrative Assistant I,
Bilingual, Programs for Exceptional Children
Elizabeth Gonzalez, a product of OUSD schools, exemplifies
professionalism at all times, positively and confidently approaching
challenges and working collaboratively with coworkers, families
and students. With impressive mastery of district structures and
policies, excellent bilingual skills, and a clear, compassionate and
patient communication style, Elizabeth is invaluable to the Programs for Exceptional
Children department for her ability to help render information and assistance both to
staff and to families of children with special needs. Responsible, respectful, caring,
intelligent, punctual and with natural leadership skills, Elizabeth is an asset to OUSD and
hopefully will stay in our community. She is the Oakland Way!
AL HALIBURTON Specialist, Data and Systems
Management, Heath Services - Family, School and
Community Partnerships
This year, in identifying our winners
we referred to standards used
by Alameda County’s Classified
Employee of the Year competition
in assessing Work Performance,
School/Community Involvement, and
Leadership and Commitment; from
the many compelling nominations
received, the individuals you see here
exhibit the special combination of
professional excellence, ability and
willingness to assume leadership
roles, and genuine commitment to
serving Oakland’s students that make
them The Oakland Way.
Al Haliburton, Specialist, Health Services Data and Systems
Management is a reliable and positive provider of a critical
behind the scenes service supporting optimal health, well being and learning of students. He implements
and maintains data collection, reporting systems, information systems and software systems in support of
very diverse programs and often complicated external requirements. He is tireless and patient in supporting widely varied staff
in navigating electronic data systems that support the delivery of services to students. Al – modest but taking his job seriously in
support of student learning and well being, Al is the Oakland Way!
LAVERNE KAHO’OKELE Attendance Clerk, Kaiser/Emerson Elementary Schools
Ms. Kaho’okele’s last name is Hawaiian and means “navigator”; how apt! She guides so much important work
at her school sites. Although her time is split between Kaiser and Emerson, she never lets a ball drop and is
known for her connection to staff, children and families at both sites. To ensure parents understand OUSD’s
attendance policy, Laverne will assist at Saturday training sessions for her sites. Her principals say:”She
welcomes everyone into the office with an Aloha and a smile!” “She has personally helped my leadership by
strategizing student attendance issues and plan meeting with parents. “ Mahalo nui loa, Ms. Kaho’okele – you
are the Oakland Way!
SHANINA LACY Attendance Clerk, RISE Elementary School
Shanina Lacy is highly respected and treasured by every branch of the RISE “family”. Described as THE best
attendance clerk the school has ever had, she knows each child’s name and family, and the trusting relationships
she has developed with families have helped her to encourage and support regular punctual attendance, and
to keep her principal informed of critical issues that may be occurring in students’ home lives. She is always
cheerful, professional and helpful to every caller and visitor. She assists staff enthusiastically with everything
from OUSD procedures to working the copy machine. RISE students face violence, poverty and insecurity in
their lives, and Ms. Lacy has been a force for stability. She is truly the Oakland Way.
ANTHONY LACHAPELLE Custodian, Dewey Academy
Mr. Anthony LaChapelle keeps Dewey pristine by not only continually checking personally on campus
conditions, but through daily checkins with staff to receive requests for assistance and maintenance. He is
punctual and professional, continually focussed on keeping Dewey safe, clean and attractive for all. He also
takes seriously his role as an active member of the Dewey adult community, and confers with colleagues on
any student issues that he observes. Mr. LaChappelle’s consistent excellent performance and example of
professionalism and positive attitude has been a mainstay of Dewey for a long time – he is highly deserving of
recognition – he is The Oakland Way!
E XCELLENCE IN EDUC ATIONAL SUPPOR T AWARDS
NANCY LAI Secondary Literacy Specialist, Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction
Nancy is the author of OUSD’s Process Writing Task (PWT); she designs Common Core-aligned assessments
that are used district wide to guide School Quality Review and Instructional Rounds. Her work produces
the important tools OUSD is using to gather the data necessary for organizational growth as well as school
improvement. Nancy additionally leads the Secondary Literacy Collaborative, providing support for struggling
readers at 14 OUSD secondary sites. Her work directly and indirectly supporting student success is truly The
Oakland Way!
SARA LANHAM Electrician, Buildings and Grounds
Electrician Sara Lanham takes a positive and intelligent approach to the most complex work situations, and
delivers at the highest level to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for OUSD students and staff. She
routinely and proactively addresses any staff questions or additional problems she may spot when she is visiting
a site. A colleague reports, “Sara has been not only an inspiration to our department, but to the hundreds of
staff that have had the pleasure to interact with her. In all my years in the construction industry, and several
years with OUSD, I have never witnessed such passion and love for one’s profession as I see in her.” Sara
Lanham is The Oakland Way!
JAYMIE LOLLIE Community School Program Manager, Frick Middle School
In a year of transition at Frick Middle School, Jaymie Lollie has been a pillar of consistency, providing clear
timely information and support for our students and families. She is unfailingly present to students needing
support, and collegial, enthusiastic and positive in her approach to the ongoing work of improving systems
and structures at the school site. She expresses the highest expectations for our school and students, and
then makes her expectations into self-fulfilling prophecies by the unstoppable energy with which she goes to
work! Ms. Lollie’s insistence on putting students and families at the center of each decision that we make keeps
Frick Middle School on a straight line toward responsiveness and excellence in service of students. Her student and community
orientation is truly The Oakland Way!
YVONNE REYNOLDS Food Service Assistant, Horace Mann Elementary School
Generations of Horace Mann kids have come to know Ms. Yvonne Reynolds as the lady who not only feeds
them but greets them in the mornings, knows their families and friends and celebrates their most important
moments; no birthday goes unsung! She is everywhere for her principal and students, helping individual
students who needs an ear or assistance to calm down, and instantly responding in school-wide crises. She
volunteers every day after school to support the Fifth Grade girls to raise funds for a field trip, nurturing their
sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Not to mention the small matter of two great meals daily for the
school, to help children thrive. For 30 years, she has been The Oakland Way!
JOSEPH SQUICCIARINO Stock Clerk, Procurement and Distribution
Joe Squicciarino has been a quietly dependable and reliable member of OUSD’s Procurement and Distribution
department since 2002; his colleagues and customers describe him as thorough, polite, responsive, meticulous
and always willing to take an extra moment to make sure that something is done right. He is a stickler for
accuracy and organization, and expertly utilizes IFAS to facilitate purchase, delivery and inventory systems and
records. His inventory control practice, particularly with big ticket items, is meticulous and unvarying, and he
responds quickly to inquiries about ordered items. Joe makes sure the material resources needed to support the
education of thousands of children in dozens of schools are delivered, tracked, organized and inventoried. He is The Oakland Way.
DAVID YUSEM Program Manager, Restorative Justice, Behavioral Health Services - Family,
School and Community Partnerships
David has been central to the design and implementation of restorative justice strategies in schools and as an
embedded element of OUSD culture. His role encompasses program planning and resource development as well
as establishing and maintaining strong links with school sites, community agencies, businesses, and volunteers
to develop a collaborative effort in providing services to support the restorative justice program. He wrote
a resource guide for staff and school sites, and continually seeks information about latest and best practices
to impart to school sites. His commitment to fully implementing Restorative Justice to support Social Emotional Learning, keep
students in school and improve outcomes for OUSD students is The Oakland Way.
DIS TRIC T LE ADERSHIP AWARDS
D
istrict Leaders hold responsibility for designing and implementing programs, systems and tools that will best serve the
primary educational mission of OUSD. We honor three whose exemplary performance in a central office assignment has
furthered OUSD’s transition to a professional, efficient, learning organization as well as a full-service Community Schools
district whose vision is held and practiced by all employees.
JACQUELINE MINOR OUSD General Counsel
General Counsel Jacqueline Minor is a brilliant and professional attorney who has made incalculable
contribution to the furtherance of OUSD’s strategic goals through leadership, diplomacy, advice and counsel to
the Board, and plain hard work. One of her team reports: “It is always an educational experience watching her
distill a tangle of legal and practical issues down to a brilliant case; I believe her astute handling of high profile
cases has saved the District millions of dollars. She also possesses an uncanny ability to garner cooperation
among varied parties; she can make people feel heard and appreciated while also pushing them to take greater
ownership of District goals and philosophies. But perhaps most impressive is her ability to get things done. Jackie has been key to
the success of many initiatives, notably the Voluntary Resolution Plan. However, she never shies from getting involved in small cases
which embody the Oakland Way; she recently worked hard to ensure a high school student had access to the appropriate special
education services. She is a supportive supervisor and mentor, always available to field technical questions or provide advice, and
does with patience and kindness.” OUSD General Counsel Jackie Minor – an amazing example of The Oakland Way.
VANESSA BROOKS Supervisor - Accounts Payable
Vanessa Brooks is The Oakland Way - a dedicated employee who is committed to the operating efficiency of
Accounts Payable, she frequently exceeds the call of duty in service all sites, management, and the families
in of community in support of our children. Her commitment to the District and its children and families is
evident in Vanessa’s work ethic and exceptional customer service and management skills. Vanessa is an excellent
communicator and problem solver whose insight, knowledge, and ability allows her to detect errors and ensure
that A/P functions and operations are in alignment with the District’s established policies and procedures; thus
resulting in cost-savings to the District and compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
TALIBAH AWELE MAKEBA Elementary Literacy Specialist - Leadership, Curriculum and
Instruction
As a member of the Elementary Literacy Team, Awele’s passion and vision extends far beyond her role of
supporting schools to improve literacy outcomes for all students. This year, Awele took it upon herself to
develop and lead the Race Matters series for the entire Oakland community of practitioners. It is truly amazing
how she was able to leverage her personal connections to bring in phenomenal speakers in the field, presenting
some of the latest research related to systems of equity, racial inequity, and, identify safe classrooms, all this
quality for FREE, no charge to the district! Participants attend on their own time, without pay, because of the caliber and expertise
of the presenters and the feeling of community that has been created. Awele’s commitment to equity and to the needs of our
community truly exemplifies the “Oakland Way!”
TE ACHING E XCELLENCE AWARDS
T
eaching Excellence Awards recognize the combination of passion and craft, skill
and dedication, analysis and perseverance that go into a successful and engaging
learning environment.
The teachers we honor have successfully communicated high academic expectations to
their students while simultaneously promoting social and emotional health and growth.
They are fully engaged in supporting all aspects of their students’ development and
school experience. They are the Oakland Way!
BETTY OLSON JONES Region 1 - Elementary, Sequoia
Elementary
Betty Olson Jones returned to the classroom in 2012 after two terms
as OEA President-and her students were the beneficiaries. Her
deep interest in Social Emotional Learning as an integral part of
classroom teaching drives a daily routine that prioritizes student
expression, and the development of empathy in students. Betty
contributions include seminal contributions to forming the Effective Teacher Task Force,
and conceiving and launching the OUSD Teachers’ Convention, an annual showcase of
best practices by and for district teachers. As Betty retires this year, her legacy contains
varied roles but a strong unifying theme of dedicated advocacy for teachers, students and
schools in OUSD. Betty is The Oakland Way.
For the first time this year, teacher
candidates were assessed using
the Oakland Effective Teaching
Framework (OETF), which was
developed between 2010 and 2013 by
the teacher-led Effective Teaching Task
Force as part of the Strategic Plan.
The OETF is the result of a thoughtful
and rigorous collaboration between
teachers, leaders and community
members to identify and describe
the specific model of teaching that
will best serve Oakland’s children
in meeting the District’s mission of
creating equity in student outcomes
and graduating all students prepared
to succeed in college, career and
community.
BARBARA BEILDECK SCHMIDT Region 1 - Elementary,
Sequoia Elementary
Although Barbara Beildeck Schmidt is retiring this year after 30
successful years as a hard-working classroom teacher, she is no less
excited about ways to develop student thinking now as a master
teacher than when she was a beginning teacher. Through her
career she has mentored countless student teachers on their paths
to developing as professional educators. Barbara sees through to
the emotional core of teaching and brings a level of intelligence to the task of developing
diverse young minds that serves as an inspiration and model to her colleagues. Thank you
Barbara for all you have done to support young students and teachers alike – you are The
Oakland Way.
ANN PARK Region 2 - Elementary, Bridges Academy
Ms. Park joined the Bridges community 7years ago and has been an asset to colleagues, students and school ever
since. She is an exceptionally skilled classroom teacher and mentor who never stops seeking opportunities to
strengthen her practice. Highly collaborative and reflective, she generously shares her knowledge and practice
to help fellow teachers; her willingness to be observed and videotaped has has encouraged other teachers to
openly share their practice. Ann is a teacher leader. Her professional skill and integrity, as well as her genuine
respect, caring and responsiveness toward students and parents are why she is such an esteemed, valued,
respected member of our community. She is The Oakland Way.
KAREN LEE Region 2 - Elementary, Bella Vista Elementary
Veteran faculty member Karen Lee is one of the pillars of Bella Vista; she is the unofficial school historian, with
knowledge of staff members, students and school operations that spans a generation. Her high academic and
behavioral expectations of her students are unconditional, as is her understanding and support. Always willing
to implement new instructional strategies, and reflective on outcomes, she also leads by encouraging colleagues
to remain open to trying new ideas. Karen secures grants to enrich her students’ experience, routinely works
summer and after hours organizing textbooks and resources, and has given Bella Vista the after school Quilting
Club and the semi-annual book giveaway. Firmly rooted in her school and community, Karen is The Oakland
Way!
TE ACHING E XCELLENCE AWARDS
DIANA CULMER Region 3 - Elementary, Grass Valley Elementary
Diana Culmer’s many shining facets add up to The Oakland Way. As part of the Balanced Literacy pilot, she
fully implemented readers and writers workshops which have instilled lasting love of reading in students. She is
part of the Grass Valley team of special education teachers who have created a “cross-class” plan to differentiate
Science instruction for their students. This year she has secured several grants benefitting both her class
and Grass Valley. She is both ELA lead teacher and Tech lead teacher, and as a member of the Instructional
Leadership Team regularly leads teacher professional development work. As a member of the SSC, a union
rep, and the teacher rep to the PTA, and the school’s de fato Spanish translator, she is a known and trusted
connection for her colleagues, families and students.
SABRINA MOORE Region 3 - Elementary, Madison Park Lower Campus
Described as a facilitator of learning, Sabrina Moore forms unique relationships that challenge students’ prior
perceptions of classroom life and structure. Every opportunity possible, she places students in leadership
roles, and “holds on” to our African American male students in unique ways, forming and finetuning behavior
support plans for students with severe ADHD and impulsivity challenges. As a self-proclaimed ADHD
student, she models for students what she hopes they can accomplish. As Lead Science Teacher, she organized
the school-wide Science Fair. A teachable and collaborative spirit, she generously support colleagues and
continually seeks to improve her craft in service of her students. She is the Oakland Way.
LAURA ALVAREZ All-District - Middle School, Melrose Leadership Academy
Laura Alvarez has deep and strong connections with OUSD as teacher, parent and facilitator of her colleagues’
professional development. She is a key lead and liaison with Mills College on the Mills Scholars program,
supporting teachers in practice improvement through inquiry. She is a most collaborative and supportive
teacher, gracefully transitioning into a middle school assignment (although she was an elementary teacher) and
providing strong leadership in examining and implementing strategies for improving language instruction
for 7th and 8th graders. Her eldest child entered Melrose as a Kindergartener and is now in third grade. Her
strong commitment to the success of the students and teachers of Melrose Academy shows Laura Alvarez The
Oakland Way!
JOAN MAURER All-District - Middle School, ROOTS International
Joan Maurer’s regular level of performance is “above and beyond” for her students, her colleagues, and her
school. As a teacher she is always prepared; she creates and maintains a classroom environment that encourages
academic discourse and respectful communication between all parties. Students can’t help but rise to meet her
high expectations and are continually demonstrating that in the efforts to to perform at their highest potential
the bar of what is possible continues to rise. She builds beautiful relationships with students and their families;
she shows them that at Roots we care. She is The Oakland Way.
CHAD REISFELT All-District - High School, Madison Park Upper Campus
Chad is an incredible asset to Madison Park’s Upper Campus, as a collaborative team member, accessible
presence to his students, and innovator of new products and interests to spur inquiry and curiosity in students.
He developed a Digital Video Production class that has been the highlight to our 9th grade flagship year. He
mentors new teachers and by example and leadership exemplifies the mission and vision of the school. He
routinely goes above and beyond to support his students and this dedication shines in his strong relationships
with them. Thank you Chad, you are The Oakland Way.
TE ACHING E XCELLENCE AWARDS
COLLEEN PIPER All-District - High School, McClymonds High School
Ms. Piper is a former Oakland Teaching Fellow who has been at McClymonds since 2011 – and she seems to
be everywhere at McClymonds! In addition to teaching Spanish I, II, and III, she is an Instructional Leader,
Testing Coordinator, member of the School Site Council, and serves as Mack’s Information and Technology
Teacher Leader and technology liaison. She is Mack’s Council Advisory and Advisory Coordinator, developing
the advisory curriculum so critical to college/career preparation, and helps to facilitate student voice as the
Student Council Advisor . She supports and coaches new staff members making sure they are part of the Mack
community. She is a true Mack Warrior and The Oakland Way!
KIERNAN ROK All-District - Special Education, Edna Brewer Middle School
A masterful special education teacher and teacher leader, Kiernan Rok is an incredible educator and advocate
for equity in Oakland Schools. Mr. Rok and his team of aides can be seen throughout Edna Brewer supporting
his students in their pursuit of academic and social success. His principal reports: “Outside of the classroom,
Mr. Rok is an absolute asset. He is a key member of the Instructional Leadership Team and he champions
important initiatives like Bike To School week.” Thank you, Kiernan Rok for bringing every opportunity
possible to students with disabilities – you are The Oakland Way.
COURTNEY WOOLVERTON All-District - Special Education, Burbank Preschool Center
Courtney is an effective and dedicated educator who has worked hard in collaboration with families and
colleagues to develop and deliver a program the really serves her students’ interests. Her students clearly love
being at school; their families continuously express gratitude for Courtney’s work with their children. Her
commitment goes far beyond her classroom; she is an advocate for young children with Special Needs and for
Burbank Preschool Center. She was recently instrumental in organizing Burbank’s first annual fundraiser
brunch, and has been a vocal advocate for her students and fellow teachers. Thank you Courtney; your work is
deeply appreciated by families, students and OUSD. You are the Oakland Way.
EDUC ATIONAL LE ADERSHIP AWARDS
E
ducational Leadership awards go to those individuals who are able to
simultaneously hold and promote the success of their teachers, students and
schools. School leaders must be able to be present in any moment to a single
child or to a whole community, and still must manage a wide and complex range of
administrative responsibilities.
Region 1
ROSETTE COSTELLO Peralta Elementary
Rosette Costello does the hard work to create an excellent school
environment at Peralta. She is exceptionally gifted in instructional
leadership; she brings a love and deep understanding of instruction
and readily embraces instructional initiatives and innovation that
can benefit students. She has gracefully integrated the arts into the
curriculum at Peralta, creating an outstanding learning experience
for students. Rosette’s leadership is marked by resourcefulness and collaboration; she
works well with the community and with central office departments to provide the very
best service to staff, students and their families. Her connection with her students,
school and community alike exemplify The Oakland Way; congratulations, Rosette!
Region 2
MONICA GUZMAN International Community School
Benchmarks for awarding this
recognition were taken from the
Principal Dimensions of Practice
Rubric developed by the Leadership
Task Force as part of the OUSD 5-Year
Strategic Plan. Leadership is described
within the following 8 areas or
dimensions:
EQUITY
VISION
RELATIONSHIPS
RESILENCE
MANAGEMENT
INSTRUCTION
ACCOUNTABILITY
Monica Guzman maintains focus on meeting needs of the whole
child while working tirelessly to improve the quality of teaching
in the classrooms. In her second year as Principal of International
Community School, Monica has employed best practices, latest research and her strong relational skills to
successfully engage teachers and families in implementing the shift to Common Core, with a strong focus on
Science. She has earned trust both for her strong personal connection to ICS families and children, and for the
success ICS students are achieving. Her energetic and inclusive approach to recruiting and engaging community partners exemplifies
the Full Service Community School model. Thank you Monica for all you have done to support ICS students, families, teachers, and
leaders alike – you are The Oakland Way.
Region 3
KILIAN BETLACH Elmhurst Community Prep
Kilian Betlach’s effective, persistent and student-centered leadership of Elmhurst Community Prep is evident
in the positive and respectful school culture and strong and trusting student-adult relationships on campus.
His team has succeeded in fully embedding restorative justice in ECP’s culture as a value and as a strategy in
addressing student behavior problems, resulting in a dramatic reduction in suspensions. ECP’s strong and
coordinated student support network supports students in academic success as well as, social, physical and
emotional well-being. His uncompromising insistence on the best for and by his students demonstrates most
clearly he is The Oakland Way.
High School
ROBIN GLOVER Dewey Academy
Robin Glover’s career with OUSD is characterized by commitment to excellence; at Dewey, she maintains the
highest expectations and accountability for herself, her staff, and her students. Principal Glover’s has led the
Dewey community to a practice and model that continues to refine, and continues to yield results for students
that exceed expectations. Exemplary of the innovations she has crafted and implemented is Dewey’s work-based
learning pathway. Aligining with the District’s Strategic Plan of ensuring that a minimum of 80% of our high
school students participate in robust pathways, the Dewey model has engaged students in relevant and practical
educational experiences, and in combination with other initiatives of Ms. Glover’s, has vastly improved Dewey’s graduation rate. We
commend Robin Glover for her ability to achieve and model for her students that all expectations are there to be met and exceeded.
Ms. Glover is an OUSD leader – She is The Oakland Way!
EDUC ATIONAL LE ADERSHIP AWARDS:
NE W LE ADER AWARD
N
ew school leaders have the steepest of learning curves. We honor Allison Henkel for successfully and creatively balanced
the instructional and administrative leadership aspects of her new role while building and nurturing strong relationships
between child, family, community and their school.
ALLISON HENKEL Think College Now
Allison Henkel was the founding Director of the Think College Now Family Resource Center on campus,
positioning her well to step in as Principal. She entered this role with the strongest support of staff and
community and has already justified this faith with her generous, collaborative and untiring work to fulfill
TCN’s potential. She has done much to cohere and strengthen her school and community teams, and is
bringing TCN back to the core values on which it was founded, with remarkable and visible results. This year,
Think College Now has been named a California Distinguished School, an amazing accomplishment for a
novice principal! In realizing TCN’s identity as a school by and for of its Oakland community, Allison shows
she is The Oakland Way!
FULL SERV ICE COMMUNIT Y SCHOOL AWARD
T
he Full Service Community School Award recognizes schools who have demonstrated excellence in various Foundational
and Program Elements as they have creatively and energetically implemented the Full Service Community School model
of integrating student and family supports completely with instruction to remove barriers to learning and create a safe and
positive school climate.
We honor Roosevelt Middle School for excellence in both the Core Element of Health and Wellness and the Foundational Element
of Coordination.
The Roosevelt team is:
Cliff Hong
Principal
Mizan AlkebulanAbakah
Clinic Supervisor,
Roosevelt Health
Center (La Clinica
de la Raza)
Jordan D. Haar
Elev8 Project
Coordinator for
Roosevelt (Safe
Passages/Elev8
Oakland)
Brenda Saechao
Director of
EBAYC Programs
at Roosevelt Coordination
Nina GardnerMeeks
Academic
Counselor Coordination
Jennifer Blake
SpEd Dept. Chair,
RSP Faculty
and PBIS Lead
- Coordination
& Health and
Wellness
Shelley Gordon
Science Faculty
and PBIS Lead
- Coordination
& Health and
Wellness
Lori Berlin
OUSD School
Nurse - Health
and Wellness
Roosevelt’s success in delivering health and wellness services owes much to its active partnerships with a number of medical and
nonprofit organizations (including La Clinica de la Raza, Alameda County, Asian Community Mental Health Services, UCSF
School of Nursing and several other organizations), enabling the delivery of a wide spectrum of programs and services on campus
that not only benefit individuals but also create the school climate that supports learning. Strong outreach efforts resulted in 4,526
visits by 593 clients to Roosevelt’s School Based Health Center in 2012-13, a terrific success story in meeting students’ physical and
behavioral health needs on-site and serving the whole child
Strong coordination of services can be attributed to a strong and effective team, working together closely with faculty, families,
partners and each other to ensure that data informs rapid focused response to surfacing issues of attendance, physical and
emotional health, and academics.
The combination of service delivery and coordination has paid off impressively. Between the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years,
Roosevelt has seen a 5.2% drop in suspensions, while the chronic absence rate has dropped from 7% to 6.1%.
Congratulations to Roosevelt’s staff, leaders, and community partners on this ongoing success story – you are The Oakland Way!
What is The Oakland Way?
The Oakland Way describes a special combination of qualities; it defines the OUSD teachers, leaders,
technical, and support staff who:
• Hold students at the center of all their work,
• Value and represent the diversity of the Oakland community,
• Hold a strong commitment to social justice,
• Never stop seeking equitable outcomes for all of Oakland’s children, and
• Believe that we share the responsibility to ensure the success of our children and community.
This is what we mean when we say,
“I work for Oakland’s children...
I am The Oakland Way!”
Our thanks to the many many OUSD employees who demonstrate daily, through dedicated service to our
children, families and community, that they are The Oakland Way.
Our Grateful Acknowledgement
to the Following Supporters
Aardvark Laser Engraving
Chef Moe’s Bon Appetit Catering
slimgim designs
Scottish Rite Center
Home Depot
KDOL