12/23/2024 -
Kasia Munski, an algebra and leadership teacher at Rancho Cotate High School praised for her deep involvement on the campus, has been named the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for December 2024.
Munski, who started working at Rancho Cotate in 2016, learned of the recognition during a school assembly held Friday, Dec. 20. Her boyfriend, roommate, sister, and niece, as well as Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Superintendent Maité Iturri, joined in on the celebration.
The Sonoma County Teacher of the Month program highlights extraordinary educators in the region’s public schools. It is organized and promoted by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) in partnership with local radio stations.
During the assembly, Rancho Cotate Principal Heather Ramme spoke about several roles Munski plays on the campus in addition to that of educator. Munski is the school’s swim coach, math department chair, and the advisor for the school’s junior class council, which is a group of students who plan events such as the homecoming dance and prom.
“I love giving back, this is my community,” Munski said after the announcement. “The students are great and the staff that I work with is amazing. I love everything I do and I’m excited to have won.”
Munski was selected as the December 2024 Sonoma County Teacher of the Month after she received several nominations from Rancho Cotate students. Nominations for the program are solicited via on-air advertisements played by Amaturo Sonoma Media Group’s Hot 101.7 and Froggy 92.9, as well as Wine Country Radio’s Latino 100.9 and Exitos 98.7.
“One student described Munski as “one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” and said she helped them grow on a personal level. Several nominations touched on Munski’s positive attitude and helpful nature.
“Ms. Munski is such an amazing teacher and has impacted our campus in a positive way,” another student said. “She has the most welcoming personality, and she truly cares about her students.”
Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter congratulated Munski for receiving the Teacher of the Month recognition and thanked her for all the contributions she has made to the Rancho Cotate campus.
“Educators in Sonoma County are responsible for taking care of our most valuable asset as a community: our youth,” Carter said. “It is heartening to see the extra mile that Ms. Munski goes to support her students, whose admiration of her is so clearly reflected in the nominations she received.”
As the winner of the Teacher of the Month contest, Munski was awarded with a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union, a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA in Santa Rosa, and $100 gift cards from Henry Mechanical and Bernstein Orthodontics.
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? Nominations for this program can be submitted at Hot 101.7, Froggy 92.9 , Exitos 98.7, and Latino 100.9.
