Our October teacher is Kathy Porteria of Tonalea Middle School in south Scottsdale just north of the Tempe border. It is a Title 1 school of 442 6-8 graders. Kathy has been teaching there for 20 years and works with the students who have especially tough circumstances and emotional issues in a program called Success.
She was nominated by Assistant Principal Jennifer Rogers who wrote:
There are great teachers out there, but there are jaw-dropping teachers who have not only a natural talent, but they also choose to work with students with special needs. Kathy has chosen to work with the hardest of hard students: middle school students who have such high behavioral disabilities that they need to be in a self-contained program. Kathy is patient and kind. She has such a calming presence that even in the most heightened situations, she remains tranquil. For years, Tonalea has had rotating teachers take on this class. Kathy is here to stay. The other day, I had to investigate a situation when one of her boys said a sexual comment to a girl. My blood pressure was rising because I didn't know if this student was going to lash out at any moment. Many of these students are in the self-contained program because they can't control their anger. As the boy was talking, Kathy asked if he would mind if she gave him a strategy. I was amazed. She didn't judge the child, or scold him, or panic. Again, I am amazed by her calmness, helpful nature, and true gift for teaching. One of our behavior coaches for the district said, "Not only does her classroom already have structures in place, but you can absolutely tell that she has worked so hard on getting to know her students and making a community." Kathy is on the leadership team at Tonalea, as well as the team that helps the entire campus with tier one classroom management strategies for our teachers, behavior modifications for our students, and communication with parents. Kathy is VERY deserving of this recognition, and I am happy to brag more about her if you wish. Thank you for this opportunity and for considering her for this award.
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This was a surprise presentation at an all-teacher staff meeting and she could barely speak she was so shocked! Every teacher nodded their head when I said that the $500 was for supplies for their classroom they pay for out of their own pocket. Our support is very much appreciated.
https://tonalea.susd.org/
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