Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year

On February 28 and March 3, Berkley Schools administrators surprised District teachers of the year. With flowers, certificates and signs in hand, teachers were surprised while they were teaching. Principals, colleagues and family members joined in on the fun, too. During the surprises, Superintendent Francis asked students to share one word they would use to describe their teachers. Students were eager to share their love for their teachers sharing words like: caring, loving, funny, kind, and smart.

Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools teachers of the year!

Berkley Building Blocks: Stephani Fooy, GSRP Half-Day Preschool

On the nomination form, a parent shared the following about Ms. Stephani: Stephani’s ability to foster each child’s unique interests and creativity is a testament to her remarkable teaching style. She sees and nurtures the individual potential in every student, encouraging them to explore their curiosity and express themselves in meaningful ways.

In addition to inspiring creativity, Stephani actively promotes emotional and social growth in her students. The way she encourages empathy, kindness, and understanding within the classroom sets a beautiful example of the values we hope to instill in all of our children. She creates an environment where children not only grow academically, but also develop into caring, compassionate individuals.

Angell: Angie Huffer, 2nd Grade

On the nomination form, Principal Vince Gigliotti shared this about Ms. Huffer: Her true gift is her ability to connect with all students. Every student in her room feels like a superstar and builds a sense of independence for their work and behavior. Angie is a master at motivating students through authentic feedback and coaching. Angie has a unique ability to find the right words, the right plan and the right people to ensure all of her students are successful. We are truly lucky to have her at Angell.

Burton: Lauren Rentrop, 5th Grade

On the nomination form, Burton Principal Lauren Fragomeni shared: Lauren's classroom is a place where learning comes alive. Her love for science is contagious, making it a hands-on adventure for her students. Whether they're creating "Biomes in a Bottle," presenting at Food Science Night or compiling their fifth-grade recipe book, Lauren finds ways to engage her students that leave a lasting impression. She even secured a grant to bring cooking into the classroom, letting her students choose recipes from home and prepare them together. The excitement and delicious smells wafting through the hallway are proof of the joy and connection she brings to learning.

Norup Elementary: Lindsay Schindler, 2nd Grade

On the nomination form, a colleague shared the following about Ms. Schindler: Lindsay is the kind of educator who constantly seeks innovative ways to engage her students, ensuring that each lesson not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a love for learning. She demonstrates a deep understanding of her students’ needs, offering them personalized attention and creating an environment where they feel both challenged and supported. Lindsay is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. Working outside of school hours to support her students, attending and organizing extracurricular events, and always pushing herself to learn more, Lindsay gives her all.

Pattengill: Kenna Parker, 4th Grade

On the nomination form, Principal Shamika Womble shared the following about Ms. Parker: She is a natural leader who takes initiative in every aspect of her work. Whether she is advocating for her students or collaborating with colleagues to enhance the educational experience for all, Kenna consistently goes above and beyond. She has a remarkable ability to inspire others and lead by example, fostering an environment of growth and motivation both in her classroom and throughout our school.

Rogers: Terri Lubanski, Physical Education

On the nomination form, a colleague shared the following about Ms. Lubanski: Terri’s commitment to her students extends far beyond academics. She focuses on the whole child, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and ensuring that everyone gets a turn. Her approach fosters a sense of belonging and teaches valuable life skills that resonate far beyond the classroom. Terri’s dedication is evident in her regular attendance at student games outside of school hours. These moments are cherished by her students, who often reflect on them in high school and beyond. Her unwavering support creates lasting memories and reinforces the positive impact she has on their lives.

In addition to being the Rogers Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Terri is also the Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.

Anderson: Kathy Milia, 7th Grade Mathematics

On the nomination form, Principal Michael Ross shared the following about Ms. Milia: On a day to day basis, Kathy consistently models professionalism, positivity, leadership, and a high level of instruction that serves to deepen her students’ understanding on a wide range of mathematics topics while providing a safe environment for students to learn from mistakes. Additionally, she exercises flexibility and is very accommodating to meet the needs of students who may have learning challenges. With high expectations for all students, she holds students accountable for completing their work, often giving up her lunch periods to have students complete work or simply making herself available for assistance with understanding content. At the same time, her flexibility also serves to provide an equitable experience for her students.

In addition to being the Anderson Middle School Teacher of the Year, Kathy is also the Berkley Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.

Norup Middle School: Claire Townsend, 8th Grade ELA & French

On the nomination form, a colleague shared the following about Ms. Townsend: In her eighth grade English Language Arts classes and French classes, Claire consistently adapts her lessons to create exciting and accessible learning experiences. Her classes are vibrant, welcoming spaces where students feel both physically and emotionally safe. One of her students shared, “She’s so nice. You can feel that she cares about you when you’re in her classroom.” Another student said that they appreciate how “clear her expectations are and they always know when the deadline is for every assignment.” Her ability to manage diverse needs while creating a classroom environment grounded in respect and inclusivity highlights her skillful classroom management. 

BHS: Liz Meinhart, Mathematics

On the nomination form, Assistant Principal Evelyn Coleman shared: Her ability to inspire a love of learning is unparalleled. Mrs. Meinhart tailors her lessons to meet the diverse needs of her students, creating engaging, innovative experiences that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. She challenges her students to reach their full potential while providing the support they need to succeed. Her tireless dedication has made her one of the most requested teachers in our building—a testament to the profound impact she has on her students’ lives.

In addition to being the BHS Teacher of the Year, Liz is also the Berkley Schools High School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.