Congratulations to Emily Brown Teacher of the Month

05/13/2019 -

Emily Brown, a teacher at Prestwood Elementary School in Sonoma Valley Unified School District, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for May 2019.

The monthly award honors one of Sonoma County's most outstanding teachers from October through May. It is sponsored by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), K-HITS 104.9, and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), with additional support from Platinum Chevrolet and Bernstein Orthodontics.

“We need high-quality, caring teachers now more than ever to help our students thrive in a complex and ever-changing world,” said Steven D. Herrington, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. “The Teacher of the Month program this year seeks to honor, support, and thank those teachers."

Thoughful nominations described Ms. Brown as a "creative, passionate, and engaging" teacher who inspires her fourth-grade students to learn, even with advanced topics like algebra. "Recently she did our school's first Socratic Seminar on racism through the eyes of famous African Americans," said Principal Jason Sutter in his nomination of Ms. Brown. "The students were amazing! "

Another nomination described her as a dedicated and hard-working teacher who "does it all," including serving as the English language arts and math lead and revitalizing the school garden program.

A delegation of representatives from SCOE, K-HITS, and Prestwood Elementary surprised Ms. Brown with the recognition in her classroom on Monday, May 13.

Ms. Brown also received a plaque and $600 classroom supply gift card.

Learn more about the program by visiting sonomacountyteacher.com.