RAVE Nominees 2016

Terence Krista, Teacher + Librarian - Lafayette Elementary School

"Mr. Krista shows students that reading is truly one of the most fascinating things to do. He has proven to the students, teachers, and community that the library is truly an extraordinary place to visit. Mr. Krista is the gatekeeper of information. Students look forward to walking in the library and listening to how Mr. Krista invites them along the journey when he reads books to them." - Nominated 12/2016

Chiu Mar, Carpenter - Buildings & Grounds

"I submitted a work request to build and install a bulletin board for a display in our foyer. The next day, Chiu Mar came to my site to look at the site to assess our needs. He asked me questions and worked with me on creating a board to fit my vision. He was kind and patient during this process. He measured the spot I wanted the board then made his recommendations. Within a few days, he came back with the board, installed it, and now we have a great board for our art installations!" - Nominated 12/2016

Gaela Peters, Counselor - Balboa High School

"She challenges students to be better human beings overall and does literally whatever she can, far beyond her job description, to support them in their development. She is involved with the community in many ways. She is an incredibly empowering colleague." - Nominated 12/2016

Gloria Choy, Assistant Principal - Gordon J. Lau Elementary School

 "Gloria is thoughtful, kind, easy-going, but hard-working, and tremendously dedicated to making GJL the best school possible. She has a giant heart of gold. She genuinely talks to each student and families attentively." - Nominated 12/2016

Shu Ping Guan, Counselor - Balboa High School

"Shu Ping truly cares about the students and challenges them to be better. She wants to support them in their journey whatever that may be and is very knowledgeable about protocols. She keeps all people involved informed of developments of each student's case." - Nominated 12/2016

Anne Martin, 1st Grade Teacher - John Muir Elementary School

"She cares deeply for her students and sets high expectations for their academic and behavioral success. She is very reflective in her practice and is constantly trying new strategies. John Muir and SFUSD are very lucky to have such a dedicated educator. She has a deep commitment to equity and utilizes many culturally responsive strategies in her classroom." - Nominated 12/2016

Martha Adriasola, Teacher on Special Assignment - School Health Programs

 "[Martha] is a tireless advocate for healthy students and schools, and a caring and inclusive coworker who assertively guides us with her decades of experience. Martha is a life-long learner, always excited to hear new perspectives from our team members." - Nominated 11/2016 and March 2017

Marisa Castro, Social Studies Teacher - Balboa High School

 "Castro's dedication to the Just Fierce Alliance group created a space where LGBTQQI students could not just meet and get emotional support, but actually meet and interact with youth workers from various organizations who understand the specific concerns of LGBTQQI kids of color and undocumented queer youth." - Nominated 11/2016

Amelia Bjorklund, Teacher - Balboa High School

 "Amelia Bjorklund is a truly irreplaceable member of the Balboa High School community. As our Peer Resources teacher, she and her trained students have brought incredible holistic, restorative justice practices to our school such as conflict mediation, creative expression, and artistic projects, peer teaching programs and more." - Nominated 11/2016

Molly Shipman, Special Education Department Head + Teacher - Balboa High School

 "Molly Shipman has embodied a real self-starter attitude in regards to making sure that all IEP accommodations are truly met so that students can learn, but also so that teachers can achieve some sense of balance and sustainability with all they are asked to hold. She focuses on solutions, not on the endless list of problems." - Nominated 11/2016

Dona Baybin, Benefits Analyst - Human Resources

"I am a new hire to SFUSD. My on-boarding was moving very slowly and I was not provided benefits information. Dona was not my assigned Benefits Analyst but she took the time to locate my information and thoroughly explained the process to me. Dona highlighted all my benefits and provided the enrollment forms. She made sure I had my documents to complete by retirement enrollment. She is a superstar and a great asset to the SFUSD team." - Nominated 11/2016

Debra Eslava-Burton, Supervisor of the PAR Program - Curriculum & Instruction

 "Debra reaches out and connects with people. She checks in on her team regularly, which makes her team feel supported and appreciated. She is dedicated, personable, and approachable. She guides with thoughtful questioning and supports her team to find their own answers. Debra takes the time to really know each person she works with and then adjusts her own leadership to match their style and needs. She always holds high expectations and provides the support (emotional, logistical, information, resources) for us to meet those expectations. She is always student and teacher-centered in her leadership, and grows other leaders. She treats everyone with dignity." - Nominated 11/2016

Lourdes Espejo, Offset Machine Operator - Central Office

 "Lourdes is very helpful and willing to go the extra mile to do a great job. Additionally, she's able to do complicated tasks while maintaining a great attitude and is hardworking, knowledgable, and positive." - Nominated 05/2016

Jasmine Galang, Paraeducator - Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academic Elementary School

"When things in a classroom get to be a challenge with a teacher or students, Jasmine will always take an optimistic approach by recognizing the difficulties and doing something about it. She never complains regardless of the situation." - Nominated 05/2016

Staff - Chinese Immersion School at De Avila

" Results speak for themselves, and Success doesn't happen by accident. Family Engagement is strong at this school, and with a true partnership between the parent community & PTA and with the awesome SFUSD staff at the CIS site, NOTHING is beyond reach for this group. Principal Rosina Tong set the tone, the teachers are working hard to meet goals, and the PTA & Parents & families are making the most of these great opportunities, and the kids are thriving as a result." - Nominated 03/2016

Vladimir Talain, Special Education Teacher - Lowell High School

“He is sensitive to his students' needs and is always motivating them when they need encouragement. He is the best para-prof. I have worked with him for 14 years as a classroom teacher.” - Nominated 01/2016

Merri Besden, Special Education Teacher - Presidio Early Education School

“Merri supports each classroom on a daily basis, providing leadership and mentoring, as well as hands-on experiences with all of the students. She is a pioneer in best practices and is an incredible colleague and mentor.” - Nominated 01/2016