Roosevelt Teacher Honored as Elementary Teacher of the Year

At its annual Founders Day Luncheon, held on Feb. 22 at Dominic’s at Oyster Point, the 17th District Parent-Teacher's Association (PTA) honored San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Anne Campbell and Redwood City teacher Sarah Coyle of Roosevelt Elementary, among others, "as a way to celebrate the legacy and success of the PTA as a voice for all school children," the organization said in a statement this week.

County Superintendent Anne Campbell was honored with the Golden Oak Service Award, reportedly California’s most prestigious PTA award, "in recognition of the significant contributions she has made to the welfare of children and youth in San Mateo County," representatives said in the statement.

Campbell has served in a variety of roles over the course of her career - first as a teacher, then principal, district superintendent of two school districts, and now in her current position as County Superintendent of Schools.

Colleen You, president-elect of the California State PTA stated, "Superintendent Campbell is committed to working toward closing the achievement gap, achieving school funding reform, expanding access to quality preschool, and ensuring that all students in our county are prepared for success in the 21st-century global economy. Superintendent Campbell has been a tireless supporter of what’s best for kids and families."

Another 17th District PTA honoree, Associate Superintendent Dr. Joan Rosas, is also currently serving students and families in her role at the San Mateo County Office of Education.

Dr. Rosas was recognized for "her longtime service to children and youth," representatives said. She was awarded the California State PTA Continuing Service Award. 

Prior to coming to the County Office, Rosas worked in the San Mateo-Foster City School District and as principal at Fiesta Gardens School, where she was responsible for creating curriculum for the dual Spanish immersion program there. Under Dr. Rosas’ leadership, Fiesta Gardens went on to be named a California Distinguished School.

As the associate superintendent for student services at the San Mateo County Office of Education, Dr. Rosas oversees special education, Court and Community schools, transportation, and the Regional Occupational Program.

Susan Bell, the current 17th District PTA president, was honored with the PTA Continuing Service Award.

Bell was described as "the epitome of a parent and a teacher in the PTA."

Mike Galisatus, a band director at both the high school and college level locally, received the Honorary Service Award.

"An accomplished musician, Mr. Galisatus has influenced many students to pursue their love of music," representatives said in the statement.

In addition to PTA Award recipients, the 17th District also recognized Marei Kane of Menlo-Atherton High School as San Mateo County's Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Sarah Coyle of Redwood City's Roosevelt Elementary School as San Mateo County's Elementary School Teacher of the Year. 

Sarah Coyle, Roosevelt School, Redwood City

Coyle has been teaching at Roosevelt School in Redwood City since 1999. She is a sixth-grade teacher of language arts and social studies.

County Superintendent of Schools Anne Campbell said, "Ms. Coyle is a committed professional whose high expectations for her students result in their buoyed confidence and measurable academic growth. Her enthusiasm and creativity combine to produce a fun and adventurous learning environment.”

One of four teachers selected to participate in a pilot program for the use of iPods to build reading fluency and comprehension, Campbell said Coyle "is comfortable with innovation and embraces Roosevelt’s instructional model of interdisciplinary project-based learning."

When her students studied Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the class didn’t just read the work, but performed it for peers, parents, and the school community.

To support the needs of struggling learners, Coyle established an after-school homework/tutoring club two days a week utilizing the talents of volunteers she trains herself. Students who participate in the tutoring club receive homework assistance and individual instruction.

According to Roosevelt School, Coyle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State-East Bay and later earned her Multi-Subject CLAD Credential and a Master of Arts in English from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. She also served several terms on the Site Leadership Team. 

Have you had personal experiences with any of the teachers or administrators who received PTA awards this year? Tell us in the comments below.

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