SOUTH DAYTON - Nine teachers at the Pine Valley School District have successfully completed their time at the school to be qualified for tenure, which the board approved at its recent meeting.
Teachers ranging in positions from social studies, special education, science, English, elementary education and Spanish were granted tenure. Each teacher was asked to give a presentation to the board about their curriculum in the classroom and present their portfolios.
After the first presentation, board member Larry Zollinger stated he would vote for tenure under protest. His reasoning was that he did not support current law that has no way out of tenure once it is granted, but he said he supports the concept of tenure.
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Members of the Pine Valley Board of Education look through teachers’ portfolios who received tenure at a recent board meeting. Pictured are President Janie Waag (left) and board member Adelia Pimm (right).
Superintendent Pete Morgante and Elementary Principle Scott Burdick gave testimony for each teacher slated for a tenure position. The first person to receive tenure was Dawn Andrews who received tenure in the area of special education.
"It's a real joy to walk into her room. ... I love going in (her classroom)," Morgante said.
The second teacher, Lynda Grey, who received tenure in special education as well, was described as "an excellent teacher," by Morgante.
Chemistry teacher Katie Miley received tenure in the area of science. She was praised for the rigor she sets for her students academically.
"She is not willing to expect nothing but the best from her students," Morgante said.
Elementary teacher Sarah Olson received tenure in the area of childhood education. Burdick said Olson's students love her spontaneity.
"You never know what you are going to expect in her classroom ... the kids love that," he said.
Teacher Alison Spacciapolli received tenure in the field of English.
"She does a fantastic job getting kids interested and bringing English alive," Morgante said.
Matthew Staples received tenure in two academic areas. Since Staples is dually certified in special education and elementary education, he received two areas of tenure. Burdick gave credit to Staples for engaging lessons in the classroom.
Spanish teacher Danielle Troutman received tenure and was praised by Morgante for her integration of technology in the classroom.
"I'm in love with technology," Troutman said.
One of the projects she talked about was students creating a website with characters that had conversations in Spanish. Troutman was also praised for her coaching abilities.
"She coaches everything and is an awesome coach," Morgante said. "She even brought her team to the musical."
Elementary teacher Sandra Valvo also received tenure. Burdick praised her for her teaching abilities.
"It is fun to watch her interact with students and watch students catch on to her enthusiasm," he said.
All teachers were treated to a reception provided by the school in the elementary cafetorium.
In other business:
Elizabeth Beaver was approved as a summer school teacher.
Danielle Troutman, Justina Troutman and Danielle Lincoln were approved as volunteer girls' basketball coaches. Danielle Colburn was approved as a volunteer softball coach. Mark Mansfield was approved as varsity boys' basketball coach and will receive a stipend of $3,800.
Samantha Smith was approved for a long-term substitute as social studies.
Congratulations went to the baseball team which qualified for state playoffs as well as Division III Spring Sports All Stars and Spring All County participants for band and chorus.
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