01/13/2023 -
Tina Brown, a special day class teacher at Windsor’s Brooks Elementary School, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for December 2022. She was informed of the recognition Thursday, Jan. 12, during a staff meeting at the school’s library. The gathering was attended by fellow teachers, classified staff, and the school’s principal, Annette Zucconi.
Brown was selected as the Teacher of the Month after receiving several nominations for the program, which recognizes educators from throughout Sonoma County who go above and beyond for their students. The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) partners with Hot 101.7, and Froggy 92.9 — where nominations are solicited via on-air ads — as well as Community First Credit Union, to deliver this program.
“I am thrilled our organization celebrates the incredible skills and dedication that our public school teachers have to offer to the students of Sonoma County,” said Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County superintendent of schools. “The Teacher of the Month program is our way of thanking those educators who have exceeded expectations and made a lasting impact on our youth.”
The patience and dedication Brown has cultivated during her 23 years in education was a common theme among the nominations submitted for her.
“She loves what she does as a teacher and most importantly (she loves) her students,” one nomination said. “She spends extra hours if needed … and dedicates her time to them.”
Zucconi, the Brooks Elementary School principal, said Brown joined their campus this year as an experienced special education teacher “with a set of skills that even we were surprised by.”
Zucconi pointed to one of Brown’s students, who last year was placed in more than four different classroom settings after facing multiple challenges in accessing his education, as an example of the positive impact Brown is having on the lives of students.
“He is successful, he is responding positively to adults, he is taking accountability and he is learning,” Zucconi said of the student. “And that is the magic of Tina.”
Brown was awarded a plaque and a $500 classroom supply gift card from Community First Credit Union during Thursday’s classroom visit. She expressed appreciation for being selected to receive the recognition.
“I’m just so honored to have this award,” Brown said. “Thank you.”
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? Nominations for the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month can be submitted via www.sonomacountyteacher.com
