05/31/2017 -
Congratulations to Megan Lesser, a Special Education teacher at Technology Middle School in the Cotati-Rohnert Park School District, who has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for May. 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), Mix 104.9, Community First Credit Union (CFCU), and Platinum Chevrolet.
Community members nominate a favorite teacher to Mix 104.9. Then SCOE selects a winning teacher based on the number of nominations received for that teacher as well as the quality of the nominations. Winners receive a plaque, recognition on Mix 104.9, and a $400 gift card for classroom supplies, courtesy of Platinum Chevrolet.
Mix 104.9 receives more than a hundred heartfelt nominations most months. This time, Ms. Lesser stood out for the number of nominations she received, as well as the enthusiasm of those writing in to nominate her.
One educator wrote that she was inspired by the time she spent teaching alongside "Mrs. Megan," as she's known to students. "Being paired with an amazing mentor is truly what has kept my passion for special education alive," she wrote in the nomination. She added, "Teachers are role models, and Megan encompasses that entirely. Megan compels her students to have a lifetime hunger for knowledge, inspires values for compassion, hard work, and commitment. Megan could do and be anything, and chose the path to guide our youth within our district...what a blessing."
Mrs. Megan teaches a mild-moderate special day class at Technology Middle School, where she acts as a role model to struggling children. She is "a counselor to students who have no other adult that will stop and listen," her nomination read. She was also lauded for her "silliness, laughter, and goofiness," which brings children in over their lunch-time just to be with her.
As well, she's a leader on campus and an innovative teacher who integrates technology in order to engage students with their interests and build their skills.
"As a community, we should be proud of our teachers and what they do," said Steve Herrington, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. "It's an honor to participate with Community First Credit Union and Mix 104.9 in recognition of our teachers and their service to the students of Sonoma County."
At a surprise presentation of the award at a school assembly, students and teachers filled the school gym with signs expressing gratitude to Mrs. Megan. When her award was announced, the students broke out in happy cheers. Mrs. Megan's family was also there to celebrate with her.
David Williams, Vice President of Marketing and Human Resources at CFCU, added, “Community First was founded as the Sonoma County Schools Credit Union, so putting teachers on the pedestal where they belong is nothing new to us. We are a PROUD local sponsor!”
Dr. Herrington encouraged anyone who knows a wonderful teacher to submit their name, along with an explanation of why they deserve the honor, at the Teacher of the Month page on Mix 104.9. While the Teacher of the Month program is on break for the summer, it will return in the fall to honor Sonoma County teachers.
