The Heart of Education Awards 2023

THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

presents Powered by THE ROGERS FOUNDATION

For being at the heart of so many bright futures

Thank you for all the many ways you go above and beyond for the students of Clark County.

We are proud to join The Smith Center i n honoring this year’s exceptional Heart of Education Award nominees. Your Friends at

Westgate Las Vegas congratulates this years Heart Of Education Awards Honorees

HEART OF EDUCATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Myron Martin, President & CEO of The Smith Center

Message from Beverly Rogers, Chairman of The Rogers Foundation

Message from Dr. Jesus F. Jara, Superintendent of the Clark County School District

Keynote Speaker – Gayle King

Heart of Education Emcee – Jim Caruso

How CCSD Prepares Thousands of Students to Enter the Workforce

2023 Heart of Education Winners

2023 Heart of Education Finalists

Thinking Outside the Classroom with Field Trips

Bringing Social-Emotional Learning to CCSD Classrooms

CCSD Heart of Education Award recipients

Thank you for soaring above and beyond to put students first and inspire the future to reach new heights.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Not only do many teachers provide students with hands-on job training, but they also lend their own insights from experience in these industries. These programs help students jump start their careers, even boosting their earning potential after graduation.

Every student also needs specific skills to thrive in the real world – and CCSD provides them with those, too. With the district’s comprehensive focus on SocialEmotional Learning, students develop essential life skills like problem solving, managing emotions and taking initiative.

Of course, many teachers introduce students to interests that will shape their lives. As occurred with me during a school trip to a theatrical production, many kids discover their calling on field trips! Here at The Smith Center, we welcome tens of thousands of students each year on field trips to experience student matinees in our theaters – all at no cost to schools.

It is an honor to host the Heart of Education Awards.

Educators across the Clark County School District (CCSD) devote themselves daily to a crucial goal: preparing students for the future.

Many teachers accomplish this by far exceeding expectations. Some work to ensure that students and their families have access to basic essentials. Still others mentor and guide students, to help them conquer challenges in academics and sports.

And don’t forget the numerous teachers who position students to enter the workforce.

CCSD sets itself apart with its impressive Career Training Education (CTE) programs, which prepare students to pursue careers in a wide range of fields.

I welcome you to read more about these valuable CCSD initiatives in our program articles here.

Our Smith Center team expresses sincere gratitude to The Rogers Foundation for its generous support that makes our Heart of Education Awards possible. I also thank the many community sponsors who provide the special gift packages for our inspiring nominees.

Above all, I thank CCSD’s outstanding educators who give our students opportunities to succeed. I can’t wait to see what our students accomplish, thanks to our amazing teachers.

Myron Martin PRESIDENT & CEO, THE SMITH CENTER

DEAR VEGAS,

ENJOY OUR AMAZING PERFORMANCE.

We would like to thank all of our amazing Clark County Teachers

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MESSAGE FROM BEVERLY

ROGERS

Welcome to our 8th annual Heart of Education Awards. We are certain it will be a most magical evening. Tonight, The Smith Center and The Rogers Foundation celebrate YOU, the inspiring magicians of the Clark County Public School District.

While it may seem that good teaching looks like magic, we know the truth. We know it’s the result of intentionality, planning, practice, and an abundance of effort. We know that good teachers are passionate about their subjects and can convey that passion to their students. We know that they are knowledgeable and well-prepared, and they create an engaging and stimulating learning environment. They are patient and understanding and can magically connect with their students on a personal level and provide individualized support and feedback. We know you all work your teaching magic every day and we are so proud and appreciative that you do.

We’re not alone in being awestruck and uplifted by your brand of educational magic. Your peers, students, parents, and administrators have nominated you for a 2023 Heart of Education Award. They see you. They recognize your steadfast commitment to uplifting your students not just academically but also socially and emotionally too. We see you too and we couldn’t be prouder to shine a magical spotlight on YOU.

Our goal at The Rogers Foundation is to transform lives through arts and education - an objective that aligns with The Smith Center and its mission to support artistic excellence, education, and inspiration. Together we value the role you play. We congratulate you and we THANK you.

Beverly Rogers

BEVERLY ROGERS Chairman of the Board The Rogers Foundation

CONGRATULATIONS

2023 HEART OF EDUCATION

We thank all Clark County educators for their exceptional dedication and service. May you continue to inspire students—our future—to

THE POWER OF EDUCATION

NV Energy Foundation is proud to support the Heart of Education Awards and applauds all Clark County educators for their tireless efforts to teach and inspire our leaders of tomorrow.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

GAYLE KING

Co-Host, CBS Mornings, Editor at Large, Oprah Daily

Gayle King is co-host of CBS MORNINGS. An accomplished television journalist, King interviews top newsmakers and delivers original reporting to CBS MORNINGS and all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. She is also editor-at-large of Oprah Daily and hosts a live, weekly radio show titled “Gayle King in the House” on SiriusXM.

Since joining CBS News in 2011, King has conducted revealing and news-making interviews with world leaders, political figures and celebrities, including former President Barack Obama; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Bruce Springsteen; Dave Chappelle; Dylan Farrow; Chris Rock; Elon Musk; Billie Eilish; R. Kelly; and Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Robinson, in their first TV interview together. She also conducted the final interviews with Representative John Lewis and Cicely Tyson before their passing.

King has landed a string of exclusive and competitive interviews. In October 2020, King spoke exclusively with Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, about the night Taylor was fatally shot by police in her own home.

King’s 2019 interview with embattled singer R. Kelly made international headlines when Kelly exploded during their extended sit-down. The interview aired on all broadcasts and was featured in a primetime special. King followed the Kelly interview with exclusive interviews with Azriel Clary and Joycelyn Savage, two young women who lived with Kelly in Chicago at the time and were at the center of the controversy surrounding Kelly.

She has also handled a number of high-profile assignments, including leading CBS News’ on-the-ground coverage from the Texas border to report on the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy. She reported from Newtown, Conn. in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. She co-anchored CBS News’ special coverage of several breaking news stories, including the Paris terrorist attacks, the San Bernardino shootings, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage and the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. She co-anchored live broadcasts from Cleveland and Philadelphia for the 2016 Republican and Democratic

Conventions, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. prior to the museum’s opening, as well as moderating CBS News’ 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate in Charleston and co-anchoring CBS News’ election night 2020 coverage. She also co-anchored CBS News coverage of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

King has anchored multiple primetime specials, including “The Gayle King Grammy Special,” which included a slate of interviews with nominees such as Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Jonas Brothers, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Lil Nas X; “BET News and Facebook Present: COVID-19: Black America’s Fight”; CBS News’ special on racism and police brutality “Justice for All”; “John Lewis: Celebrating a Hero”; BET’s “Say Her Name: The Untold Story of Breonna Taylor”; the BET primetime exclusive special “Cicely Tyson: In Her Own Words,” honoring the life and legacy of the iconic actress; “Meghan and Harry Plus One”; “The Queen Carries On: A Gayle King Special”; “The Chauvin Verdict”; and “Tulsa 1921: An American Tragedy.”

King previously hosted “The Gayle King Show,” a live, weekday television interview program on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. The program, which featured a discussion of a broad variety of topics that included politics and cultural developments, was also broadcast on XM Satellite Radio, where it premiered in 2006.

Before that, King worked for 18 years as a television news anchor for CBS affiliate WFSB-TV in Hartford, Conn., during which she also hosted her own syndicated daytime program. Prior to joining WFSB, King worked at several other television stations, including WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Mo., WJZ-TV in Baltimore, Md., and WTOP-TV in Washington, D.C.

King has received numerous awards for her extensive work as a journalist, including three Emmys. In 2018 she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and in 2019 she was selected for the TIME 100, Time magazine’s annual list of the hundred most influential people in the world.

The mother of a daughter, Kirby, and a son, Will, she currently resides in New York City.

WE THANK TODAY’S EDUCATORS FOR TOMORROW’S HEALERS.

Long before becoming a part of our team, our doctors and nurses were inspired by someone like you. A teacher who encouraged them. Nurtured their curiosity. Set an example with their kindness and passion for their chosen pursuit. And for that, we are truly grateful.

Thank you, CCSD teachers. For everything. Every day. And congratulations to this year’s Heart of Education honorees.

HEART OF EDUCATION

EMCEE JIM CARUSO

Jim Caruso made his Broadway debut alongside Liza Minnelli in the Tony Award-winning Liza’s At The Palace! , singing, dancing and celebrating the music and arrangements of Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers. He has won seven MAC, nine BroadwayWorld, and two Summit Awards for his work in nightclubs, performed with the New York Pops in a tribute to Kander & Ebb, with Rosemary Clooney celebrating Bing Crosby, and sang the songs of Hope & Crosby with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall. Jim was honored to sing with a bevy of Broadway stars at President Clinton’s First State Dinner at the White House. For 19 years, he has hosted the weekly showbiz bash “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” at Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center and across the country. Most recently, he stormed YouTube with 76 episodes of “Pajama Cast Party.” He also produces the weekly Broadway at Birdland concert series and performs weekly with Matt Baker at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel. Jim’s four CDs, “The Sunday Set,” “Christmas at Birdland,” “The Swing Set,” and “Caruso Live and In Person” are available online.

@JimCaruso1 Jim-Caruso.com

HOW CCSD PREPARES THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE

When Richard Knoeppel describes his architecture class at Advanced Technologies Academy, he touts that his students train with cutting-edge, industry-standard technology.

“This experience is putting them ahead of many college programs,” says Knoeppel, whose work earned him a Heart of Education Award from The Smith Center.

Many of Knoeppel’s former students now work as licensed architects, he adds.

“I look at the Las Vegas skyline, and feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that my former students played a role in creating that architecture,” he says.

This serves as just one example of the many opportunities Clark County School District (CCSD) offers to help students prepare for future careers.

All CCSD high schools offer Career Technical Education (CTE) programs that provide handson, skills-based training in numerous industries, says Gia Moore, director of College and Career Readiness and School Choice.

“These programs are a priority for CCSD,” Moore says. “Students not only develop a strong foundation of employability skills, but they also complete industry-recognized credentials leading into lucrative employment upon graduation.”

Currently, 65 percent of CCSD high-school students are enrolled in a CTE program.

“Students who complete a CTE program of study have higher graduation rates, and a higher long-term earning potential upon graduation,” Moore lauds.

Photos courtesy of CCSD.

Flexible Options for Career Training

Students can prepare for a vast range of careers at CCSD.

The district’s CTE programs span industries including business and marketing; education, hospitality and human services; health science and public safety; information and media technologies, and more. “Students have the ability through participation in these programs to discover their strengths, talents and abilities,” Moore says.

And they can do so in many ways.

Beyond taking classes to learn specific job skills, students can also pursue internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing as part of their CTE program.

“Our business and industry partners play an integral role in providing that gateway for students to apply their skills,” Moore says.

CTE programs further supply access to field trips and guest speakers related to each job field, she notes. Students can even earn dual credit upon completion of a CTE program.

“We have a significant responsibility to ensure that all students have access to CTE pathways,” she says.

Charting a Successful Future

During her 13 years teaching nursing at West Career & Technical Academy, Kathy Clemens took great care in helping students meet eligibility requirements to become CNAs.

She organized guest lectures from past students, now nurses, and relayed insights from her own work in the field.

“It’s the real-life stories and experiences that my students have said are the most valuable to them,” says Clemens, who received a Heart of Education Award for her efforts.

While teaching sports medicine at Western High School, Brian Driscoll has not only watched students go on to pursue related careers, but he also strives to train students in real-life medical scenarios they might encounter anywhere.

“I teach tangible life skills, along with medical knowledge broad enough to be relevant in their lives,” says Driscoll, also a Heart of Education Award winner.

In a recent focus group, many CCSD students said they planned to continue on career paths related to their CTE programs.

“What was clear amongst all of the students was that they were proud of the professional and technical skills they learned along the way,” Moore says.

HEART OF EDUCATION

WINNERS

BLAGOJCE ANDREEVSKI WINNER

nervous about having their children away from home as so few people can care for or teach such fragile children.”

His constant communication with his students’ parents is one of the reasons he was nominated for a Heart of Education award. “As a special needs dad, to be able to send my daughter to school, with all her extra needs (and medical) and know and trust she will be taken care of, as we would, is truly a gift,” writes one parent.

Blagojce is so committed to his students that he adapts and modifies learning materials to help not only his students but all the students at John F. Miller. “I have built sensory boxes which allow students to focus solely on the lesson at hand. They are used throughout the school and have greatly aided our students,” Blagojce says of the boxes he spends many hours making.

The students at John F. Miller School do not talk or walk. They are not potty-trained and are extraordinarily medically fragile. Many are fed by G-tube and several have shunts in their brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. Their learning is delayed, and many students often function at the level of an infant. Teaching at John F. Miller School is challenging because the school provides special education programming and services for students with specialized needs ages 3-22 years.

“To teach my students, I focus on each child’s unique challenges and abilities because I cannot do the same thing with every child. I must tailor my lessons to adapt to each child’s individual needs,” explains Blagojce Andreevski. “I work as closely as possible with my students’ parents or guardians to ensure each child’s success. We are in regular communication to keep each other informed. The parents of my students are often very

When his students are hospitalized due to illness or recovering from surgery, he always asks their parents if he can visit their child in the hospital. “Without fail they have invited me to come, and it strengthens our ability to work together to teach their child,” explains Blagojce.

“While my students cannot speak, they express their excitement for school through non-verbal means. They smile. They get excited. They improve and make progress toward their IEP goals,” explains Blagojce. “Working at John F. Miller School is unlike working at any other school in the district. We are not worried about kids getting 3s and 4s on the SBAC or MAP scores. Our students are exempt from those tests. We are focused on the small gains because each small gain is a giant gain for our students. Many teachers would not know what to do if they came into my classroom. For me, I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

JOHN F. MILLER SCHOOL

At the beginning of 2023, Sonya Blackwell-Muhammad had her students create a vision board that focused on their “I am____.” Using their critical thinking skills, her high school students had to turn their “I am” into goals, dreams and life traits.

This is part of the holistic approach Sonya takes to teaching that includes project-based learning to provide the tools and skills students will need once they graduate from high school. “As a lifelong learner, I learn from my students as much as they learn from me. I provide the subconscious support that they need to achieve beyond their expectations,” explains the social studies teacher.

An example of one assignment Sonya gives her students that will be useful in the real world is to create a web page. She tells her students that even though this is for class they can create one for themselves or their family business. One of her former students created one for his business. He recently reached out to Sonya thanking her for teaching him a skill that has proven useful.

“I am passionate about student success, and I attempt to provide a class that encourages students to use prior and current knowledge. I use their interest and feedback to design classroom discussions and activities,” explains Sonya. “I told my students if they took the final exam, they passed the test. They were able to achieve this goal by participating in different learning activities that included: musical chairs, 1000 Pyramid, Wheel of Knowledge, and Deal or No Deal.”

“I advocate motivating and respecting students by giving them a different perspective to view success and achievement as well as advocating for themselves to achieve their desired goals. There is no cookie-cutter instructional plan that works for every class,” explains Sonya of her teaching philosophy.

Sonya is cognizant that success isn’t just found in completing an assignment. Sometimes there are more fundamental lessons a student needs to learn. “I realize that a sleeping student has many different reasons: working late, being in a house full of people, being home alone, or staying up late playing video games,” says Sonya. “I can identify the problem without losing class instruction or making any student feel belittled.”

This is one of the reasons Sonya was nominated by her students for the Heart of Education award. “Mrs. Blackwell takes her time to understand students and gives us life lessons for later in life. She gives us chances to redeem ourselves and shows how she cares if a student is falling back,” writes one of the students who nominated her. “I can always come to Mrs. Blackwell if I am having any kind of struggles because I know she’ll tell me something I need to know.”

RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL

GARY BROWN WINNER

While in San Diego, not wanting to miss an opportunity for his students, Gary reached out to the University of San Diego and coordinated a joint concert with their Wind Ensemble. Not only did the University agree to the performance but they also fed all the Valley High students, and the director offered all the seniors a scholarship to attend college in the fall.

When he’s not preparing his students for competitions, Gary is gearing up for band camp to ensure his students have the best experience possible. During last summer’s band camp, Gary personally paid instructors to come in and assist with teaching students. This led to great success as his band students went on to enter the fall marching band season in top form and win several awards.

Gary Brown was very busy as leader of the band at Valley High School getting ready to compete in several competitions in Nevada and California. That was the easy part. The hard part was, as a Title 1 school, to get all the students to and from events as well as prepare them for competition. “I reached out to the community and alumni to coordinate fundraisers and donations to make it all happen — at times giving my own money to make sure that every student was taken care of,” says Gary.

The band’s trip to a competition in San Diego produced many accolades for the Valley High School students including winning best ensemble overall. But not without a lot of work behind the scenes. “At practices leading up to this event, I made sure that all students were fed, rides were secured, and appropriate clothing was available when needed,” says Gary.

But Gary’s compassion for his students doesn’t end with band camps and competitions. “In the fall, I was able to get groceries and clothing donated through our alumni association to help our families out. I also worked with the school to donate bus passes for those students who need rides to and from school and rehearsals,” explains Gary who has made this a common practice since starting at Valley High School five years ago.

“Essentially, I have done my best to give these students the same experience as any other student while taking care of their basic needs that might not be happening at home. Whether it’s food, clothing, extra instruction time, whatever it takes to help them be successful,” says Gary. “It’s hard to put into words what a challenge it is to get a school like this to the level that I have and to describe how great it feels to see the students’ faces when they “win.” Trophy or not, it makes it all worthwhile.”

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Business management teacher Patricia Buono may be contracted to work from 6:41 a.m. to 1:51 p.m. Monday through Friday but she educates well beyond those seven hours and 11 minutes. “If that was all I did, I would be a successful teacher. But that isn’t all I do. That is just the tip of the iceberg of how I maintain my effectiveness as an educator,” she relays.

One of Patricia’s most impressive feats is that her Accounting 3 class is 100% certified as tax preparers for the IRS. During the fall, her students train rigorously through the Volunteer Income Tax Preparer program to pass the IRS test. All 32 students passed the national test. “This isn’t a “school” assignment, nor is it a “standardized test.” Heck, it isn’t even high school curriculum,” Patricia explains. “I’m extremely proud that we opened our doors to clients on February 1 providing a valuable, free service to members of our community. We will complete returns and electronically file them before the April deadline for elderly and lower-income citizens.”

Although an over-the-top achievement worthy of a Heart of Education award, that’s not where Patricia’s ambition for her students ends. As the adviser for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), she puts in countless hours outside of her contracted time to make opportunities available to her students.

“I am very proud that I had an international champion last year but am even more proud that we have a student serving as a state officer,” explains the two-time FBLA Adviser of the Year winner. “Using FBLA as a springboard for community service has given our students many different chances to participate fully in local and national charitable organizations, supporting their healthy growth as global citizens.”

To support college and career readiness, Patricia encourages all her students to complete an internship during their senior year. While some students choose to work at outside agencies, she maintains a team of 10 students who complete internships on the West Tech campus. The largest internship supports studentgenerated funds by maintaining the campus’s student store. Another internship she is proud of is her marketing intern, who created and implemented a field trip for the entire 240-student department. “It was highly successful, and this event planning skill is yet another example of how our students are college and career ready,” explains the Nevada ACTE 2023 Community Service Award winner.

“I feel that my classroom is merely a springboard for students to find their passion and propel it forward. Between attending IRS-required training, FBLA State and National weeklong conventions, and visiting students at internships, my 7:11 gets extended most days. But these are happy, fulfilling, exciting days that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” concludes Patricia.

PATRICIA BUONO

WEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY

CAROLYN CANNON WINNER

Kindergarten teacher Carolyn Cannon has many reasons to be grateful. “I have a wonderful family, friends and good health. I also have an entire squad of kindergarten squirrels who adore me just as much as I love them,” explains Carolyn. “Each year, I feel very blessed to touch the mind, heart and soul of each of my students.”

The five-time Heart of Education nominee believes one of the challenges of being a kindergarten teacher is that for many students it is the first time that they have ever been in a classroom. “It is very common to see misbehaviors,” she says. “That was true for one of my squirrels this year, Sir Reign.”

Sir Reign came to Carolyn’s kindergarten class at age six — a whole year above his peers and completely nonverbal. He would scream, cry, throw things and often try to destroy her classroom. “His family and I both saw indicators that could qualify him for

special education. I began to work very closely with him to develop a relationship so he could learn to trust me and know that school is a warm and welcoming place. I encouraged the other students to help him and be kind instead of isolating him,” explains Carolyn.

Through her patience and diligent tutoring, Carolyn reports that Sir Reign knows all his letters and sounds, speaks in sentences, verbalizes his needs and socializes with his peers. “His mother recently shared with me that he told her he loves school and wants to go to sleep now instead of playing video games so that school will come faster,” proudly reveals Carolyn. “After much love, time, paperwork and dedication to him, he will finally be getting an evaluation from our school psychologist and I am hopeful he will qualify for the support that can help him become an even more successful learner than he already has become today.”

Carolyn has seen teachers with students like Sir Reign complain, blame the parents and shift the responsibility to the next teacher. “I love kids like Sir Reign. They are always my favorite and I have one each year that I usually put into a narrative to complete this Heart of Education essay,” relays Carolyn.

“Having a heart of education comes naturally to me, but each year as I write these essays, I have realized that the true heart warriors are the kids who persevere despite their many challenges. These kids are the ones who truly have a heart of education because it takes so much heart to believe in the power of yet. So this year, my heart warrior winner is Sir Reign and I am just grateful to have the opportunity to share his story.”

SANDRA B. ABSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This 2023 Heart of Education winner learned as much from her students as they learned from her. The sixth-grade math teacher took on a daunting challenge that “saved” a group of students who would have otherwise continued to drift through their education journey having a mediocre experience at best.

Last year Kim Celaya was asked to teach a credit recovery class for a group of eighth graders who were in jeopardy of not moving on to high school. “I was resistant because all these students came with warning labels. They were the “troubled” kids, the ones that failed most, if not all, of their classes. They were constantly kicked out of their classes and suspended. To be very honest, the first day they all showed up, I was a little intimidated,” Kim reveals.

She admits the first week was rough. “None of them were happy to be there because it was an after-school class and all of them pretty much hated school anyway. After the first week was over, I actually considered asking someone else to take the class,” Kim says of the uphill battle to get these students to high school.

Fast forward four months later. Every single student in her credit recovery class earned their credits to move on to high school. “This particular group of students taught me as much if not more than I taught them. I learned how to be more patient. I learned at the root of every child is one that truly wants to learn. I learned that if I can build confidence in a student they will truly work harder — not just for themselves, but also because they longed for someone to be proud of them. The small steps they all took wound up being some of the largest they had taken in years,” explains Kim, who was a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

“I didn’t get any rewards or accolades for any of this. But having them all hug me, some with tears in their eyes was one of the biggest rewards in all my 20+ years of teaching,” says Kim. “I’d be lying if I said it was easy because it wasn’t. But it was incredibly rewarding and a part of my career that I will always be very proud of.”

Kim’s efforts did not go unrecognized by her students. “I am nominating this teacher because she is a very understanding teacher. She made her class fun and entertaining and wanted me to keep learning,” writes a student who nominated her. “She showed that she truly cared about her students through her words and will always be one of my favorite teachers.”

DEL E. WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHI CHEN WINNER

When Chi first started teaching in the United States, she was frustrated by language barriers and cultural differences. “I know how people feel when life is different from before. After the pandemic, a point of emphasis was placed even more on students’ moods and their struggles. When students are absent, I’d keep in touch with them and their families and work alongside them with counselors,” explains Chi of her teaching philosophy.

In addition to teaching, Chi tutors students individually to practice mock tests until they pass their exams. She has also cohosted AP Exam Workshops for years. She even helped a student get accepted by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), sponsored by the U.S. State Department, to study in Taiwan.

“Ms. Chen is one of the most genuine and sweetest teachers I have ever met…I remember talking with my friends one day and we decided if there was ever a zombie apocalypse, Ms. Chen would be the very first person we’d save! She cares about your health, both mental and physical.”

There’s no higher praise than a high school student who wants to save you from a zombie apocalypse. “I believe that being there for students, encouraging them and making them feel supported is the most important aspect of education,” explains Chi Chen of her connection to her students.

As a teacher in the Clark County School District for the last 14 years, Chi says she’s “always consistently strived to accomplish one main goal: to make students feel a sense of belonging and support.” The teaching philosophy Chi employs to accomplish this has a fourprong approach of teaching, tutoring, clubs and community.

As far as Chi’s clubs’ philosophy, she used to be the adviser for the Chinese Culture Club and is now the adviser of the K-Pop Club and co-adviser of the AAPI Club. She believes these organizations allow students an opportunity to experience different foods, arts, popular songs and sports. She also collaborated with the school’s Spanish teachers to encourage new immigrant students to create holiday decorations, share food and exchange languages together. “These collaborative efforts helped them adapt to American schools, significantly reduce their anxiety and boost their sense of belonging,” says Chi.

Regarding Chi’s fourth prong of success, community, she becomes a link between home and school. “I meet new immigrant families sometimes, students and their parents, who have limited English proficiency. I act as a communication bridge between the school and families. I also led students to visit Chinese cultural performances, New Year’s parades and contests. Students were happy to have the opportunity to interact with the community outside the classroom,” says the four-time Heart of Education nominee. “Education is not just a job; it is my purpose.”

NORTHWEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY

“Whoever dreamt of a robotics program in an allmale correctional facility? Sheree Flores, that’s who. That was her dream and today it is the reality at Summit View Youth Center where Ms. Flores is a career and technical education (CTE) teacher,” reads one of Sheree’s Heart of Education nominations. “If devotion and dedication are synonyms for heart then Sheree Flores is the heart of Summit View Youth Center.”

Summit View Youth Center is an all-male facility that houses and educates the most at-need and at-risk students in the Clark County School District. “She does whatever she can to secure resources and opportunities to meet the individual needs of every one of her boys,” continues her nominator.

“I have always recognized that creativity comes before capital and that individuals can shape their future when placed in an environment that affords them the opportunities to grow irrespective of their socioeconomic background,” explains Sheree. “I have come to appreciate this perspective firsthand in

the past 12 months while working as a vocational teacher inside a maximum-security youth correction center. While working with these troubled juveniles my motto to receive students with broken wings and help repair those wings so that they can fly and fly high has been an unwavering guiding principle.”

The vocational educator teaches four subjects: robotics, code, personal finance, and employability skills. She believes these subjects impart essential life skills that empower students to be productive members of society. They also help develop critical, analytical, practical, creative, problem-solving and active learning skills that are necessary for success in the workplace. “I instill hard and soft skills in students to not only help them get employment but to also enable them to keep their job. Above all the most significant subject that I teach is personal finance which aligns with my philosophy concerning crime,” explains Sheree.

Sheree maintains that a leading cause of crime is tied to poverty. “I believe that when society provides individuals with opportunities to sustain themselves then the level of crime will reduce,” she explains. “These youth have provided me with the opportunity to learn from them, empathize and reason out solutions that transcend crime and punishment.”

She not only educates these youth with basic skills but also fills out FAFSA forms for senior students “to help them obtain funds for college, which is a sure path to end the cycle of poverty that causes many youths to be inclined to truancy and other criminal behavior,” concludes Sheree. “It is my strongest belief that the many lives I touch in the course of my work where I equip individuals with the necessary tools and resources to make the right choices will have a positive impact on society.”

SUMMIT VIEW YOUTH CENTER

STEPHANIE GRAVILLE WINNER

“All elementary schools have a P.E. teacher but not all of them have a teacher like Graville who does all the extra effort to expose kids to sports. She puts in her extra time on weekends and weekdays to make sure that the kids can participate in actual games and events that show them the true value of being involved in sports and extracurricular activities,” writes one of this Heart of Education winner’s colleagues at C.C. Ronnow.

A parent of one of Stephanie Graville’s students concurs. “Coach Graville goes above and beyond for her students and athletes. I have had the pleasure of having my children taught and coached by her for five years and counting. Leadership, sportsmanship, fundamentals and character are all things that my children have taken from being a student-athlete under Coach Graville,” writes the grateful parent in her nomination letter. “Outside of Ronnow, she is an amazing individual. She is active in the betterment of the Las Vegas community. The Greater Youth Sports Association is a blessing for our children and community and I am grateful

that my children have had a chance to experience all the great opportunities she has brought to our community.”

In addition to being a member of the board of directors for the Greater Youth Sports Association and head coach for basketball, track, soccer and flag football teams at C.C. Ronnow, Stephanie started Saturdays With Coach Graville which is a program where students and their families can come on Saturdays and participate in fun healthy activities for free while learning about ways to stay healthy and live their best lives. She also started an after-school health and fitness club for her students and their families.

“I spend hours and hours before and after school, on the weekends and spend thousands of dollars every year providing opportunities for my students and our community. I took my track kids and running club to 5k fun runs and to the Spartan Obstacle run event. This was paid for from donations and fundraising that I did so that our kids did not have to pay,” explains Stephanie, who believes with the rise in childhood obesity physical education is more important than ever. “I had several students win events and had a student lose 25 pounds while participating in the health and fitness club.”

“If your child goes to Ronnow, she cares and puts extra time and love into your children,” explains a colleague of the five-time Heart of Education award nominee. “They are lucky and blessed to have her prepping these young adults for the world of sports and fitness and how important and helpful this lifestyle is to an overall healthier life.”

C.C. RONNOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Russell Hermansen’s learning motto is ‘science is fun, and if you aren’t having fun, then you aren’t doing it right!’

When Russell first started teaching, he was amazed at the number of students who were either afraid of science or had an outright dislike of it. “I became determined to make sure that my students would develop a love of curiosity and discovery,” explains the chemistry and biology teacher. “I want them to love learning. I strive each day to fill my students with a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. I want them to be curious about how things work and why.”

He recalls the story of a student who made the comment when she first joined his class earlier this year that it was going to be her least favorite. Russell smiled, laughed and asked her to give it a few months. She recently approached him again and asked if she could take AP chemistry next year, stating that chemistry is now her favorite class and she aspires to become a professional chemist.

“One of my goals as a teacher is to make sure that each of my students feels welcome in my class. I do my best to make my classroom a safe and fun learning environment,” explains Russell.

This year in an effort to help students be better prepared for college, Russell partnered with the College of Southern Nevada to offer a jumpstart Biology 101 course for juniors and seniors. By completing this class students will have the chance to earn real college credit while in high school. “I believe this has helped to prepare my students for the rigors of college life and to push them to reach new heights,” says Russell.

In addition to academics, Russell has coached the Desert Pines chess team for the last five years. He has been steadily growing the chess program and working weekly with students on strategies and techniques to improve. “I teach them the game and help them to compete,” says Russell, who notes many of the students on the team had never played chess before.

This year Russell purchased a subscription to chess.com from his own funds so students could use it to learn techniques and play against ranked competitors. He also purchased new chess sets and boards for students to use since the previous boards were broken and pieces were missing. “We have made tremendous strides in our chess program,” relays Russell. “For the last two years, our team has been able to make it to the district playoffs which had never happened before in the history of the school.” Checkmate.

DR. RUSSELL HERMANSEN

DESERT PINES HIGH SCHOOL

HOLLY JONES

“Mrs. Jones has always been an advocate for hearingimpaired or Deaf kids. She never lets a person’s differences define them, never gives up, and always works to ensure that children are heard and have the support and resources they require. She showed us how to be independent as well as how to collaborate with other kids. She taught me to never set boundaries for myself just because I’m different or have a disability — to accept that and draw strength from it,” writes a student who was in Holly Jones’ class five years ago. “I don’t believe I would have made it this far without Mrs. Jones’ assistance and love for which I am incredibly thankful. She gave me a solid foundation on which to build my independence and self-advocacy skills.”

A nomination from a student five years later is quite a compliment. “I am humbled and amazed by the incredibly thoughtful things my student wrote about me,” says Holly. “I am thrilled that she felt the love and care I strive to give all of my students.”

Some of the love and care Holly gives to her students comes in the form of making sure students’ needs are met. Holly provides information for financial help to pay for hearing aids. “I helped two families connect with these agencies to apply for assistance,” she explains. “Another family had an emergency health issue. I coordinated meal and grocery donations and connected them with wrap-around services for sustainable food and services support.”

As a teacher of students with hearing loss for the last ten years, Holly notes that there are many unique needs for students and their families. “Often, Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) kids who are mainstreamed are the only Deaf person at their school and in their families. They feel isolated and alone. There are local groups that offer events to bring these students and their families together for fun, community and support. I try to make sure all my families get the information and attend as many events as I can,” she says.

Holly also researches scholarships specifically for students with hearing loss and connects her high schoolers with the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) to help set up college assistance and job training and placement. Additionally, Holly arranged for BVR to present to all three local high schools that have DHH programs. She also attended development meetings for a Deaf Transition Day and summer camp with community leaders and DHH professionals.

“It is a privilege to have worked with an amazing group of students and their families over the years. I am committed to continue learning and advocating for equity of access, expectations and opportunities for my students who have stolen my heart,” concludes Holly.

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PROGRAM

Ashley Leon Ramirez’s heart is as big as they come. From the 2,850 weekend bags of food sent home with students per year to the 20-30+ families that receive holiday assistance annually to the 500 students who receive new shoes at the start of each school year to the thousands of books sent home to create home libraries to the thousands of grant dollars received for clothing, the students at E.W. Griffith Elementary School know they can count on this Heart of Education award winner.

“School counseling is certainly a service of the heart and as a Clark County School District (CCSD) counselor I try to embody this mentality when carrying out my daily responsibilities,” explains Ashley. “I am never too proud to ask for help with the things that my students need.”

Ashley has strategically built partnerships throughout the community that have greatly benefitted the families she serves. This past November she collaborated with Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders to provide 75 families with $100 gift cards for Thanksgiving meals. Students were able to visit with Maxx

and get autographs and E.W. Griffith was featured on Raider Talk Nation.

But the accomplishment Ashley is most proud of is the results of a self-reported student needs assessment that showed 98% of her students felt safe and respected within their school environment. “As the internal coach for Griffith Elementary’s Positive Behavior Intervention Support programming I have worked for seven years to create a safe and respectful environment for our students and data like this lets me know that I am doing a good job,” says Ashley.

Beyond the obvious ways that Ashley serves her students, she mentors her fellow CCSD counselors so they too can serve their students well. In the past year alone, she has collaborated with PBS and CCSD to create a training series on trauma-informed practices, participated in the School Mental Health Practitioners Board, served as a CCSD Elementary School Mentorship Cadre member for the fourth year and currently serves as secretary of the Nevada School Counselor Association.

“Ashley Leon has been a mentor to me this year not by assignment but from the goodness of her heart and the enjoyment of the work we do as counselors. Ashley is so passionate about counseling that she sweeps you up and carries you along in her success,” writes one of her colleagues. “Ms. Leon has been a wonderful resource to me while I am starting out in the elementary counseling world. With her encouragement, I will be presenting for the first time at the state conference! This has been a dream of mine for many years. I am grateful to have her support. She truly has a heart for education.”

E.W. GRIFFITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

JAMES MILLER WINNER

When James Miller is not teaching biology and anatomy, he is the head coach and adviser of the 11-time State Science Olympiad Champions at Clark High School. “Approximately 12 years ago a small group of students approached me and asked if I would advise a Science Olympiad team. Since then, I took a team that as underdogs won State their first year and developed a group of over 70 students and five teams this year who not only love science but also each other through their time competing in the club,” enthuses the 10-time Nevada State Outstanding Science Olympiad Coach.

James is proud to acknowledge that “many of my student competitors have gone on to attend the top universities in the nation and I would like to think that the competitive program that I have facilitated has a little something to do with that as it is teaching them to persevere and push through the toughest adversities to meet their personal expectations,” says James.

His Science Olympiad mentees agree. “During my three years in Science Olympiad, Mr. Miller has gone above and beyond in his support for and dedication to the success of each and every one of his students. Not only has Mr. Miller taken our team to state and national competitions for the past ten years but he also has led us to many additional invitationals all over the country. Mr. Miller has given up countless weekends to support his students doing so with a smile on his face and a joke to crack at any time,” writes a student of the Heart of Education medallion winner. “I could write thousands of words about his impact on the students of Clark High School. However, what it comes down to is he does everything he can to actively promote our success and believes in us even when we may not believe in ourselves.”

James has worked with the state director and other coaches to grow Science Olympiad teams in CCSD and to establish a strong STEM community for students in the district. “My team of teachers and I started the first Nevada Science Olympiad Invitational which has brought in the top teams from across the country and allowed for schools in the district to compete against the best the country has to offer,” James explains. “Although I am interested in furthering the success of my own school and my own students, I also know that furthering the success of CCSD is essential to the growth of the Science Olympiad program.”

An educator for 22 years, James says that “creating this program and shaping it into what it is today has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”

ED W. CLARK HIGH SCHOOL

Darren Motamedy believes in the power of taking things one step at a time. On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to ascend to the top of Mount Everest. He accomplished this “one step at a time.” This is the origin of Darren’s teaching philosophy.

In 2010 Darren inherited a faltering band program that had approximately 180 students. Four years later the program had blossomed to 400 students. Darren was able to obtain grants to receive new and updated music lockers, get the band room recarpeted and update $50,000 worth of musical equipment. The addition of new lockers and instruments allowed more opportunities for “at-risk” students without the financial ability to rent an instrument. Within a few years, Darren’s program climbed from an average program to a superior one. It happened one step at a time.

The band leader arrives at school an hour before the official start time so that he can help students who need individual assistance.

He also stays after school an extra hour. During this hour he gives students free private lessons, works on jazz education and diligently works on additional music. Darren also allows his students to come to the band room during his lunch break to practice, unwind and engage with each other. “Why?” he asks. “Because I love my students and I believe in one step at a time.”

One of Darren’s talents is the ability to write and arrange songs. “I have written over 50 compositions for my program. 50!” he enthuses. “Many take up to a month to complete and they are all completed outside of the school day. I’m able to write original compositions that are tailored to each student’s ability.”

As the lead coordinator for the school’s band trips which have included Seattle and Los Angeles, Darren has raised over $100,000 for the trips. “This allows “all” of my students regardless of financial ability to enjoy our band tours,” says Darren. “I included our orchestra and choir in our elementary school tour this year because we build our program one step at a time.”

Earlier this year the Walter Johnson Junior High School band attended a Barry Manilow concert, met Barry Manilow and received a $5,000 grant for new instruments from the Manilow Foundation. This opportunity was a result of Darren’s professional relationship with Manilow’s drummer.

“I have achieved success at Johnson Junior High during my 13 years by taking it one step at a time. It’s the little things that I do on a daily basis that become the model for success,” shares Darren. “We have reached the mountain top one step at a time. Tomorrow I’ll tackle the next peak!”

WALTER JOHNSON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

JOHNNY NGUYEN WINNER

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ACADEMY

“Mr. Nguyen is a good teacher because he truly has a passion for teaching and providing kids with the knowledge and bond of knowing if I ever need a teacher to count on, I can definitely count on Mr. Nguyen,” writes a student of the Heart of Education award winner.

The ways the students at A-TECH can rely on Johnny Nguyen are countless. In addition to teaching science, Johnny is the adviser for the Anime, Varsity Quiz, Science Bowl and Chess clubs, and he assists with Esports and Science Olympiad.

“When I started teaching one of the first things I was told was to not overload myself with extracurricular activities as it was going to be hard to balance everything. I failed to take heed of that warning,” shares Johnny. “I choose to spend so much time with my students because as a young teacher, I see myself in a lot of my students.”

As a 2013 graduate of Sierra Vista High School Johnny “still remembers what it feels like to walk through the hallways of a school, see all the different advertisements for clubs, sports, activities, etc., and feel the excitement of discovering who I am. I want to help my students discover themselves, learn new skills and create opportunities for themselves.”

Johnny recalls going into high school as a shy freshman trying to figure out where he belonged. “I wanted to find where I fit in,” explains Johnny. “I see that a lot of the students here at A-TECH had ambitions but could not find a way to pursue them. Knowing that I gave them a place to pursue whatever they wanted to find — what they wanted to do both now and in the future. My passion is to help my students achieve their passions.”

Additionally, Johnny developed opportunities for each club to further its interests. This included finding alumni for the chess team to play against and hosting Varsity Quiz competitions. “I strive to give the students any opportunity so that they can better themselves,” he explains.

Sacrificing many afterschool hours and weekends, like Saturday mornings for NAQT competitions or full summer days for the TechRise students, Johnny makes time to help his students achieve their pursuits. “My students were able to accomplish astonishing feats like 2nd place in the CCSD Chess Team Championship, 3rd place in the NV Scholastics Chess Championship, Varsity Quiz Blue League champions, and winning the NASA National TechRise challenge,” relays Johnny.

“These small communities we build through extracurricular activities will create a lasting impact on our school and more importantly on the students,” he explains. “From my time spent in Sierra Vista High School, I hope to have a similarly lasting impact on my students.”

“When I walk into Rachel Ruttan’s classroom I know I am in the presence of greatness. This woman is a teaching genius. She is fierce in her passion for teaching and creating the next generation of educators,” shares one of Rachel’s colleagues in her Heart of Education nomination.

Over the past four years, Rachel has developed and taught the Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, Teaching and Training, at Rancho High School. “I have been highly motivated as Rancho’s CTE Department Chairperson helping build and redesign our program,” says Rachel. “We have introduced careers in education to more than 800 students who may not have had the chance to explore this widely rewarding field that I love with all of my heart.”

Her students find her enthusiasm for teaching contagious. “She inspired me to want to pursue a career in teaching. Before entering her class as a freshman, I despised teaching and I always said to myself that I would never become a teacher. However, she made me

respect the career of teaching. She showed me how hard it is and how much work actually goes into it. I have learned to appreciate the art of teaching. She inspired me to want to make a difference in my community through teaching,” writes one of the Heart of Education winner’s students.

Rachel believes improved teacher development programs create teachers that continue their calling for a lifetime. “I am absolutely delighted to share that some of my former students are already successfully navigating through the teacher pipeline and working in CCSD schools to alleviate vacancies. I continue to mentor these graduates as our next generation of teachers that will be more representative of our Las Vegas community and it is a great honor,” explains Rachel, adding, “I look forward with excitement that I will, one day, watch one of my Rancho CTE teaching students receive this same prestigious award.”

The three-time Heart of Education finalist is also an adviser to the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a career and technical student organization that functions as an integral part of the Family and Consumer Sciences education curriculum. Through her guidance, Rancho High School’s FCCLA students received 19 medals at the 2022 Student Leadership Conference competing against high schools from across Nevada.

Rachel considers teaching “to be the bedrock of our civilization and I look to the future with confidence that our nation’s children will continue to be cared for in an inclusive environment led by a loving group of future educators.”

As her Rancho High School colleague notes in her nomination: “I don’t think there’s a bigger heart out there. This is why Rachel Ruttan is a Heart of Education for me.”

RACHEL RUTTAN

RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL

VICTOR SMITH WINNER

Because the student population at Laura Dearing E.S. is mostly Latino and Black “my students are typically not the image that comes to mind when one says “STEM education.” Students who live in poverty and who are Black, Latino, multiracial, or other racial minorities often have limited exposure to technology education, especially coding,” explains Victor. “For many of them, entering the computer lab provided their first experience touching a desktop! I knew it was important for their futures, which will significantly rely on technology, that we bring Technology as a Special back. I advocated restoring the Special and set to learning everything I can to make it amazing.”

As Victor Smith’s students say, “the grind don’t stop!” And this Heart of Education winner took the grind to a whole new level raising close to $10,000 for technology materials last year. As the technology specialist at Laura Dearing Elementary School, Victor used the funds to procure Sphero and Indi robots, 10 Vex 123 robots, two Makey Makey Invention kits, and books for a technology library. With the hardware secured, Victor completed a two-week professional development course on Code for Fun’s grades 3-5 curriculum to better understand the technology using a scholarship received from InfoSys.

“Mx. Smith is the strongest advocate for computer science at our Title 1 school,” writes one of Victor’s colleagues at Laura Dearing E.S. “As a grade-level chair, Canvas Champion, and computer science site lead, Mx. Smith is a school leader. They provide schoolwide technology support and professional development throughout the year on topics such as setting up Canvas or integrating technology into lessons.”

This past December Victor single-handedly advocated and organized a schoolwide Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week. For this event to come to fruition, Victor had to plan, develop, create and distribute an unplugged and plugged lesson for all grades pre-K through fifth grade. “It was so amazing to see my school come together to code, especially because I saw many students teaching their teachers how to code during these activities,” enthuses Victor.

Because “the grind don’t stop,” last fall Victor began a master’s program in Educational Technology through UNLV and completed graduate coursework to earn an Introductory to Computer Science endorsement on their teaching license through RPDP and Southern Utah University. “All these opportunities to improve and develop my own understanding of computer science have been applied in the classroom so that learning computer science is engaging, relevant and, most importantly, possible,” explains Victor.

“Mx. Smith makes a difference in students’ lives every day through their continuous work as a computer science specialist and supporting staff at our school,” enthuses a colleague in her Heart of Education nomination letter. “Their hard work is recognized on and off campus!”

LAURA DEARING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Christina Wellendorf is an English teacher in the morning, a basketball coach in the afternoon, a master’s counseling intern at Touro University for the remainder of the day and a mentor all the time. “I am a mentor to my peers, current students and players, and their families,” explains Christina. She also mentors past players and students assisting them with everything from filling out applications and getting jobs to writing letters to colleges and supporting families during times of loss by providing food and necessities.

She has been teaching for nine years and coaching for six at John C. Fremont. Her philosophy as a teacher, coach and mentor is to instill kindness, respect for self and others, put education first, work hard and build resiliency in everyone. “My goal is to help my young people become the best versions of themselves and if you asked them, they would say I am vital to their success while at Fremont and beyond. I teach my students and athletes to be humble yet proud and confident of who they are and how they represent their school, team, their families and their community,” explains Christina.

Her students agree. “Ms. Wellendorf was and still is the best teacher in my 13 years of school. She is an amazing teacher; she can teach any kid, I believe. She was able to make every kid who walks into her room welcome and safe with just her presence. I am extremely grateful I had an opportunity to be in her class for my eighth-grade year because she motivated me to always give it my all and was always there if I needed her. She made me a better person and without her, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Thank you!” writes one of Christina’s students in her nomination letter.

A five-time Heart of Education award finalist, Christina’s medallion-worthy credentials are many. She’s an After-School All-Stars instructor and basketball coach, has amassed over 7,000 service hours at Three Square food bank, created Thanksgiving baskets for families in need since 2018 and spent the last five years securing food for the homeless. She is also an adviser to Lancer Code Alliance which she founded along with eight other teachers in 2021. It is a positive, kind behavior alliance that has the participation of 120 students.

“I am one of the humblest people I know, always ready to serve. I just want to help others. I am a selfless human being. I always put others first and I am an exceptional team player and will do whatever I can to ensure my students/players are being raised to be caring, respectful citizens,” shares Christina.

JOHN C. FREMONT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBERT WEST, III WINNER

While this story sums up the heart of Robert West, he reveals that during his 23 years in education, this is not what he is most proud of. He most cherishes the help he was able to give a former student, Wyatt. “He was a struggling student who sold and used drugs, experienced homelessness and was convinced that he wasn’t going to see 18,” recalls Robert. “I never gave up on him. Wyatt is now 21, returns to inspire current students and now dreams of becoming a motivational speaker. To this day Wyatt’s journey continues to inspire me as well as my students.”

His accolades are many: Grammy-nominated quarterfinalist for Music Teacher of the Year in 2017 and 2018, Nevada Teacher of the Year finalist in 2021 and three-time Heart of Education finalist. But this is not the most important thing you need to know about Robert West, III.

He singlehandedly saved an entire music program. One of Robert’s Heart of Education nominators shared the story, writing that the choir teacher at her middle school had quit and the program was going to be dissolved because there were no other choir teachers at the school. “My friends and I were really sad when we heard the news,” she writes. “However, Mr. West didn’t let that happen. He stepped in and in what should’ve been his break, he would come to our middle school and teach us new songs and music theory. He not only kept the choir program alive, but he made me and my friends, who were also in choir, happy for the remainder of the year.”

To increase his students’ self-esteem and leadership skills, Robert turns their focus to giving back to the community. In October 2017, a Clark High School administrator lost her mother to cancer. In response, Robert’s advanced choir members each purchased a breast cancer awareness t-shirt they chose to wear at their concert, which became a cancer awareness charity event. That same year, the choir council organized vigils on the Strip to honor the 58 victims of the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting.

Robert encourages his students to connect to the CCSD choir community by participating in the Holiday Extravaganza, District & All-State Choir Events, Solo/Ensemble Adjudications, and UNLV Madrigal Festivals. “Whether it’s mentoring neighboring middle school choirs or performing in the community, it is essential that my students have confidence, recognize their value and worth and understand that it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish,” says Robert. “Students are valued in my program and despite whatever their home life might be the skills they learn in choir will serve them.”

ED W. CLARK HIGH SCHOOL

“During the time that I have supervised Ms. Wheatley, I have observed and witnessed her dynamic teaching abilities and leadership qualities. She is a great role model and a wonderful addition to the Valley High School faculty,” writes a Valley High School administrator of this Heart of Education winner. “Ms. Wheatley is a National Board Certified International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher, and she does a fantastic job of bringing Social Studies to life for all of her students by using community contacts to bring opportunities to our students.”

Indeed, this four-time Heart of Education finalist believes in bringing history alive for her students. She organized a field trip for her students to the Holocaust Museum LA where they heard from a 96-year-old survivor of Auschwitz. This year’s field trip will be expanded so her students can learn about the domestic injustices against Japanese Americans and will include a visit to the Manzanar Japanese Internment Camps in Death Valley. “I wrote and was awarded a $7,000 grant in November 2022 and another $7,000 for November 2023 from Jewish Nevada

to cover the entire cost of the trip to be able to take my Title 1 students who wouldn’t be able to afford $150/each to attend,” relays Brooke.

As a Creativity Activity Service (CAS) coordinator for the IB program, Brooke developed a mentoring partnership between Clarence Piggott Elementary and Valley High School. “Our 11th-grade IB students mentored a group of IB fifth graders to develop an exhibition on a current world problem. This is the first of its kind program I innovated in Las Vegas and I am proud I developed this program for the 11th- and fifth-grade students,” Brooke proudly explains of the group that met over five months and concluded with a public presentation in February.

When she’s not planning field trips and coordinating mentoring partnerships, Brooke finds time to contribute her energy to economically disadvantaged students during the holiday season. “She adopted 34 of 226 angel tree students and raised $11,000 to purchase presents,” writes one of her administrators, adding that “Ms. Wheatley builds great relationships with her students and is an advocate for them.”

A senior enrolled in the IB program at Valley High School shares this of the Heart of Education winner: “I’ve been going through the roughest time of my life this year and she was one of the teachers that I felt actually cared about my problems and actually cared about what was going on in my life. When I had nobody else, I felt that I could go to her and confide in her to understand what I was going through. She puts the wellbeing of her students before anything. She is just an all-around amazing teacher.”

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

WE

OUR TEACHERS

®

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL HEART OF EDUCATION NOMINEES.

The Smith Center is proud to shine a spotlight on the many great teachers in the Clark County School District, thanks to The Rogers Foundation and our community partners. You’re living proof that teaching is an art, delivered from the heart.

Florence Aitken

Georgia Alcala

Kendall Allen

Heather Allen

Monette Altobella

Christian Alvarez

Kimberly Anderson

Blagojce Andreevski

Christina Andres

Carmen Andrews

Renee Andriaccio

Rita Arabian

Yumi Arai

Gary Archambeault

Christopher Argento

Whitney Arias

Tracy Arnold

Alex Ashton

Elicia Aslin

Necole Atkins-Dowd

Amy Auch

Jennifer Aveleno

Lindsey Bailey

Tracie Bailey

Cynthia Baker

Jessica Baldwin

Anthony Banto

Yvette Barajas

Brett Barnes

Lindsay Barnes

Christine Barto

Paul Bassett

Holly Baugh

Freeman Beals

Brent Becker

Jason Beegen

Tiffanie Bemoll

Paul Bennett, Jr.

Alexander Bennison

Sinee Bernal

Cori Bettis

Paul Beuning

Anubha Bhatnagar

Julie Bickerton

Kimberly Bishop

Cathrin Bithell

Kimberly Bjerke

Dr. S. Blackwell-Muhammad

Corinne Blake

Karla Blakemore

FINALISTS THE

Mark Bly

Anthony Boccia

Vince Bognot

Mimi Boheme

Felicia Bonanno

Rose Bond

Thomas Borden

Teresa Boucher

Brad Anthony Bradley

Shane Brant

Vanessa Bravo

Jenny Bravo-Gonzalez

Christi Brennan

Daniel Bressler

Jennifer Brinkley

Ryan Brooks

Nicole Brooks Donolli

Gary Brown

Angelica Brown

Leslie Brown

Sara Brownell

Amanda Bryson

Candy Buboltz

Christa Buchhorn

Matthew Buckingham

Sandy Buk

Vincent Bullard

Patricia Buono

Brandi Burrows

Natalie Burt

Gregory Butler

Katherine Byrnes

Zachary Cabanski

Laura Caisse

Dolly Jayne Calbario

Karen Calomino

Sandra Cameron

James Campbell

Carolyn Cannon

Ryan Capps

Laura Carducci-Bergstrom

Elrae Carino

Emily Carlsen

April Carlson

Lee Carlton

Kristina Carmona

Dannielle Carrion

Emilia Carro

Denise Carson

Sarah Cary

Lisa Casey

Vito Casolari

Julianne Castillo

Casey Catinella

Kim Celaya

Monica Cenidoza

Sharon Chadwick

Lisa Chalmers

Jennifer Champion

George Chastain

Ashley Chatham

Katrina Chavira

Shamsheer Cheema

Chi Chen

Jennifer Chevez

Michelle Chewjalearn

Micaela Chewjalearn

Kathleen Chianese

Vanessa Childs

Andre Ching

Tina Christensen

Jane Christensen

Candace Chun

Kevin Chung

Jason Claire

Judy Clark

Nicole Clark

Jeanne Clayton

Julie Cohen

Anissa Cole

Linda Coleman

Valentina Columbo

Melissa Combs

Sarah Comroe

Maurice Cooper

Kyryn Cooper-Sanders

Rodrigo Corral

Joshua Covert

Stephanie Cowley

Christine Cox

Christopher Cox

Tooie Crooks

Michelle Crumm

Megan Cruz

Jodi Cunningham

Kristen Cuttita

Shannon Dana

Veronica Dannaker

Heather Danser

Beverly Davison

Margarita De Leon Viera

Maureen Debenedittis

Angela Deer

Karin Demarce

Nicolas Demott

Amy Devaul

Jessica Diaz

Christina Dickinson

Caroline Dickinson

Cindy Dinkel

Thomas DiSabato

Donnamarie Dixon

Tasha Doble

Bethany Dodd

Michael Doerfler

Ernest Domanico

Rena Dombrowski

Reztyleen Dori

Mel Douglas-Woods

Mark Drakulich

Veronica Drazba

Megan Driscoll

Ryan Dudder

Suzanne Duffy

Brian Dunkelberger

Tiffany Dunn

Tracy Dunn

Glenda Duspiva

Sarah Eames

Michelle Ebert

Jennifer Ecklund

Kelly Edgar

Bernandita Edjec

Pennie Edmond

Vanessa Edmonds

Beth Edwards

Kailey Eininger

Tanisha Ellerbe

Lauren Engel

Rebecca English

Crystal Erickson

Tawanna Ervin

Alejandro Escobedo

Kody Euteneier

Henry Evans

Carrie Farrimond

Jessica Fasulo

Christine Faye

Ann Feliz

Julianna Fender

Jackie Fessenden

Kathleen Fick

Kevin Fiddler

Adriana Fina

Maggie Fisher

David Fisher

Jill Fitch

Daniel Fitzgerald

Lori Fitzsimmons

Danielle Flanigan

Eric Fleischer

Jason Flener

Robert Flenoy

David Flessati

Barbara Flippin

Meg Florence

Sheree Flores

Heather Foglia

Keith Forbes

Kristi Forehand

Alexandra Forshee

Marissa Fort

William Fouts

Noell Frailey

Megan Franke

Jessica Freberg

Summer Frew

Yesenia Fromhart

Ryan Fromoltz

Lindsay Fuentes

Dianna Fuller

Lashonda Gabriel

Joanne Gahr

Daniel Gakuru

Jennifer Galdi

Eden Galido

David Gallegos

Rocar Joy Gallo

Jason Garner

Xavier Gastellum

Lorelei Gayo

Tara Geever

Nancy Gifford

Sara Gilbert-Bagwin

Dawn Ginnett

Rebecca Glad

Martha Glawe

Jennifer Gonzalez

Stephanie Graville

Hope Greco-Gaham

FINALISTS THE

Byron Green

Sarah Green

Tasheena Greenawalt

Kenneth Greenberg

Colleen Greenburg

Brian Gregorich

Lhara Groberg

Jaime Gropp

Dawn Gruner

Corianne Guerin

Jon Guerrero

Shelby Guinn

Konnie Guthrie

Lori Gutierrez

Jacquelyn Guzman

Perryn Hale

Danielle Hall

Amanda Hallam

Adam Hallam

Allison Halpin

Jennifer Hampton

Ryan Handlon

Jenifer Hanley

Tammy Hanlon

Helen Hanly

Cory Hansen

Loreen Hansen

Tarynn Harden

Laura Harp Wadas

Debra Harpster-Haman

Hannah Harris

Kristofer Harris

Stephanie Harris

Kate Harris

Jessica Harrison

Jody Harry

Zacharey Hartley

Deana Hartman

Larry Hartzell

Rhonda Hatcher-Malone

Michele Hayden

Ruth Heath

Lisa Hebb

Heidi Heck

Christina Hekkert

Tiffany Hemberger

Patrick Herbert

Dr. Russell Hermansen

Willy Herrera

Todd Herrick

Melissa Hewitt

Cody Hidler

Renee Higgins

Amy Higley

Jennifer Hiller

Kim Hoffert

Phil Hoffman

Amanda Holland

Sherese Holmes

Sharell Holmes

Kristen Holzhause

Gene Howley

Yin Hsia

Gail Hudson

James Huff

Suzy Huffer

Karen Hughes

Tracy Hunsaker

Sara Hupp

Matthew Hy

Cindy Iberri

Nathan Inkenbrandt

Annmarie Jablon

Melissa Jackson

Meagan Jackson

Tina Jacobson

Jill Jaeger

Alexandra James

Kathleen James

Grayce James

Jennifer Jarvis

Antoinette Jenkins

Ilene Jett

Loren Jobe

Tracey Joffe

Kyle Johnson

Jamie Johnson

James Johnson

Roxanne Johnson

Cherese Jones

Brent Jones

Holly Jones

Natalie Jones

Sasha Jones

Lyziel Jorvina

Casey Juliano

Joseph Juliano

Andrea Jydstrup-McKinney

Karen Kanwhen

Sachi Katashima

Debra Kehler

David Kelley

Shawn Kelly

Sandi Kendall

Michelle Kieselhorst

Matthew Killingsworth

Analisa Kimball

Jenifer King

Sandra King

Ashlie Kinnaman

Marcia Klink

Richard Knoeppel

Tiara Koch

Tara Koehler

Monica Kolar

Audrey Konkel

Laken Kraft

Shelley Kress

David Kress

Megan Krier

Carrie Krogman

Leanna Kromer

Rebecca Krshul

Melissa Krueger

Stephanie Kruger

Angela Kulikowski

Jacob Kulikowski

Amanda La Roche

Bobby Laas

Richie Labajo

Benjamin Lacombe

Steve Ladouceur

Joey Lapuz

Kayla Larochelle

Steven Lawson

Kirstin Lechtreck

Taylor Lee

Jeanette Lee

Molly Lehman

Ashley Leon Ramirez

Tracy Leslie

Autumn Lessenberry

Wende Lestelle

Alison Levy

Danielle Lewis

Tracy Lewis

Antoinette Lewis

Marlo Limbeck

Dr. Dexin Lin

Alejandra Linares Sierra

Venissa Lindsey

Lauren Linford

Mary Litzenberg

Alana London

Terry Loomis

Jennifer Lowry

Yolanda Lowry

Saleutogi Lualemaga

Eric Luchs

Lacey Luebber

Kin Bon Lui

Lisa Luke

Rebecca Lundberg

Katie Lyman

Kelsey Lynch

Sherry Lynes

Deena Lyons

Kelly Mabel

Kristal Mackert

Kimberly Magdos

Leighanne Mainguy

Andrea Maiorano

Karen Mairs

Iloisa Majed

Dr. Gregory Maldonado

Gina Malizia

Jessica Maloy

Heather Mangham

Loretta Mangione

Lloyd Mann

Jennifer Marchant

Sarah Marick-Venci

Britney Marsella

Rhonda Marshall

Noelie Martin

Dr. Leizle Martinez

Dr. Dwane Martinson

Armine Martirosyan

Desiree Maryott

Amy Mast

Corrie Mathews

Wendy Mathre

Katherine Matos

Corina Mattson

Michelle Matulef

Adam Maxwell

Roger Mayo

Kendra Mazza

Stephanie McAdams

Eric McAllister

FINALISTS THE

Jessi McCall

Leah McCallum

Seth McCarthy

Lisa McCoy

Debbie McDonald

Wendolyn McGregor

Nicole Mcguire

Erik McKay

Sara Melvin

Kendal Merrill

Stephanie Merryman

Athena Mertes

Valerie Metler

Catherine Meyer

Holland Meyer

Thomas Michaud

Chad Mickey

Candice Mikitaroff

Adonna Miller

James Miller

Alisa Millich

Katelyn Milosevic

Alexsandra Minoli

Deana Miravite

Ryan Mitchell

Kimberlee Miyazaki

Kathleen Monaco

Jennifer Moore

Christine Moore

Sarah Moore

Robert Morell

Jenelle Moreno

Federico Moreno

Marilou Morishige

Jennifer Morris

Kenneth Morrow

Lisa Morrow

Emily Morse

Darren Motamedy

Sabrina Moy

Deborah Muhlenbruck Fleischer

Thomas Mullins

Maria Esther Munoz-Kilgo

Wendy Murillo

Kellie Murphy

Jessica Myers

Gina Nakahara

Vanessa Naumu

Sheryl Neff

Ma Rowena Nestel

Andrew Netherton

Johnny Nguyen

Debbie Nichols

Melissa Nicholson

Emily Nicks

Julie Nilson

Ira Nocom

Jeremiah Norman

Margaret Novack

Kyla Nowak

Cynthia Nygard

Michelle Oblad

Stacey O’Brien

Ryan Max Ocampo

Nicole O’Connell

Shannon OConnor

Brad Ohlson

Lynn Oliver

Tracie Olmstead

Angelique Orengil

Stephanie Orr

Osiris Ortega-Negrete

Cory Ossana

Kimberly Pacl

Tiffany Padilla

Jason Palmira

Emily Pangelinan

Tracy Paprocki

Jay Paradowski

Brielle Parises

Soo Park

Glenford Parks

Carrie Pash

Judy Patino

Noeme Patterson

Paula Patterson

Christine Pavesich

Tyler Pawl

Vanessa Paxson

Danielle Payne

Chinette Penaflor

Janette Pennington

Devin Penny

Maria Peralta

Margaretha Perez

Aida Perez

Nichola Perillo

Candace Perkins

Scott Peters

Amy Peterson

Krysta Phenix

Donna Lynn Phillips

Irais Pineda

Leyla Placzkiewicz

Annelisa Polk

Angela Poole

Nancy Postma

Christina Prather

Patricia Prazan

Christopher Price

Jessica Prieto

Beth Prior

Travis Pullins

Jamie Quashnock

Kerry Quinney

Anna Rago

Farhana Rahman

Patrick Rambo Vieira

Carminda Ranches

Amy Rannazzisi

Lisa Ratigan

Jayme Rawson

M Justin Red

Michael Reed

Samantha Reichelt

Maria Renteria

Karma Reyes

Christina Reyes-Detrick

Alexandra Reza

Blair Richards

Maya Richardson

Dorothy Richardson-Martin

Nicole Rickert

Chris Rinaldi

Sharon Ring

Shirley Ripley

Danielle Ristow

Susan Ritter

Gale Rivarde

Andrea Roach

Amy Roberge

Timothy Roberts

Claudine Robinson

Shannon Robinson

Dana Robinson

Aaron Robinson

Flossie Robinson

Natalie Rose

Christopher Roser

Patricia Ross

John Rotatori

Rosa Rowley

Timothy Roy

Regina Roybal

Courtney Rudden

Mark Ruesch

Jessica Ruiz

Bernadette Rulloda

Lawrence Rush

Edward Russini

Ryan Ruttan

Rachel Ruttan

Allyson Ryoppy

Karen Rzendzian

Jodi Sabataso

Vincent Sabellina

Diane Sadjadi

Megan Saipale

Jessica Sala

Kassandra Salley

Helen Salzman

Lucie Sample

Jennifer Sanchez

Lindsey Sanders

Caroline Saquido

Michael Sarabyn

Marissa Sarandos

Cori Satoshige

Emilee Savage

Nicole Schlaff

Dawn Schlink

Kim Schmidt

Chelsea Schoenbeck

Teresa Schultz

Ashli Schumm

Dominique Scicchitano

Christine Scoville

Tamra Scow

Francisco Sermeno

Darrell Shakespear

Tammy Shapiro

Lindsay Shealy

Georgette Sheldon

Susan Sheleheda

Andrew Shimko

Kimberley Shiver

Melissa Siegel

Jaime Sillitoe

FINALISTS THE

Kathy Simmons

Yvette Sital

Ruth Skarda

Katie Smith

Christopher Smith

Sherry Smith

Samuel Smith

Victor Smith

Andrew Smouse

Liza Soares

Gil Solis

Sandra Soriano

Jamie Soukup

Melissa Spahn

Michele Sparks

Danielle Sparks

Robert Speciale

Jennifer Spence

Ericka Spiezio

Jennifer Spinos

Dr. Michael Stajuana

Elise Stark

Christina Stark

Adam Steff

Melissa Steidler

Megan Stein

Sean Stein

Brett Stell

Isela Stellato

Casey Stephenson

Bridget Stevens

Stephenique Stewart

Trevor Stojanovich

Amy Stover

Elizabeth Strehl

Kehaulani Strekow-Feldman

Lana Strong

Andrea Strube

Kristen Stuart

Arielle Suarez

Jeannette Sumicad

Sara Sweeney

Veronica Swenson

Cresen Swenson

Trisa Swenson

Amy Symes

April Symmonds

Josh Symmonds

Kellene Szep

Jaime Tabeek

Julie Tacker

Jamie Tadrzynski

Melissa Taitano

Darla Tanaka

Suman Tandon

Mabel Tang

Cynthia Taylor

Karen Taylor

James Terranova

Lisa Terry

Stacy Testo

Rebecca Thomas

Leandra Thompson

Johna Tichenor

Jordan Tielemans

Kari Todd

Mitzi Tolzin

Shirley Towers

Nikki Treadaway

Ariana Tribble

Stephanie Trinh

Angela Truitt

Jennifer Trujillo

Adam Turney

Ann Marie Tutino

John Tyler

Amberlee Udy

Ana Urena

Melanie Ust

Jenny Valdez

Amy Van Gundy

Ashlee Vaness

Miriam Vazquez

Noemi Vazquez

Martin Vece

Apollo Villa-Real

Michelle Vinatieri

Tamela Voorhees

Gillian Vormittag

Bryce Wada

Patrick Waddington

Luanne Wagner

Veronica Wagoner

Jeannie Walker

Terry Wappes

Denise Ward

Alissa Ward

Melanie Waters

Akela Watson

Julie Watson

Jessica Webb Whitley

Jennifer Weeks

Melissa Wegman

Christina Wellendorf

Marjorie Wells

Robert West, III

Nicole Whaley

Brooke Wheatley

Amanda White

Paul Whiteman

Timothy Wiegand

Lorie Wilberg

Velvette Williams

Meghan Williams

Eva Williams

Kalah Williams

Lisa Williamson

Lisa Withrow

Emilee Workman

Alysia Wright

Autumn Wyland

Amie Yacubovich

Stephanie Yenchek

April Yost

Mary Young

Carla Zamora

Hillary Zeune De Soto

Jessie Zimmerman

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF

THINKING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

THE MANY BENEFITS OF FIELD TRIPS

When three school buses pulled up to The Smith Center in January with 155 students from J.L. Bowler Elementary in Mesquite, it marked a milestone for the children.

“Our student population is 100 percent on free-and-reduced lunches, so some don’t have the means to get out of Mesquite very much,” says Jamie Jones, the school librarian who organized the field trip.

These students were among the tens of thousands of kids each year who take field trips to see student matinee performances at The Smith Center.

For many of them, it marked their first introduction to live theater.

“Most of our students don’t have the opportunity to go to a real performance like that,” Jones says. Their experience demonstrates the multitude of benefits kids can enjoy from a beloved school tradition: going on field trips.

“(Students) need to have opportunities to see other places and things, and expand their world,” Jones says.

Making Long-lasting Connections

Field trips benefit teachers, too, says Sarah Popek, principal of Myrtle Tate Elementary School. After all, they help hook students’ interest.

“Field trips are a great way to engage students and make memorable connections to their learning,” says Popek, whose school has taken field trips to Smith Center student matinees, as well as the Lion Habitat Ranch and the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

Some students lack financial resources to enjoy Las Vegas’ multitude of experiences, she adds, so field trips can introduce them to thrilling locations they wouldn’t otherwise visit.

“Field trips provide them with the opportunity to experience what Las Vegas has to offer, and link it to learning,” she says.

Popek has seen this firsthand.

“Once the students are at the (trip) destination, I see a level of engagement that is difficult to produce in a traditional classroom setting,” she says.

Impacting Students’ Minds

Dr. Nicole Ann Cavenagh, a psychologist with The Center for Child and Family Development in Las Vegas, lauds the impacts of children learning outside the classroom.

A study found that hands-on activities during field trips improved students’ ability to recall information, she says. Field trips also promote students’ social skills “through exposure to different situations,” she adds.

Field trips even directly affect youths’ brains, she says, including fostering students’ ability to think about and imagine the future.

Perhaps the best benefit of all: “(field trips) have been shown to build cultural understanding and tolerance,” Dr. Cavenagh touts.

Field Trips to The Smith Center

The Smith Center’s student matinees offer inspiring experiences for students, Popek says – especially as most matinees are adapted from popular kids’ books.

“After reading a book, students can take a field trip to The Smith Center to see a matinee production based on the story, bringing the characters, setting and action to life,” she says.

This proved true for Jones’ students, who saw a student matinee of “Graci for President,” based on the bestselling children’s book.

Students loved connecting with the characters on stage, Jones says, adding that The Smith Center provided copies of the book for students to read, at no cost to the school.

“(The show) was very interactive, and the students were able to talk to the performers and cheer,” she says.

Seeing how much students gained from the matinee is “the reward I teach for,” Jones adds. “This opens their eyes to so many different things,” she says. “Live theater gives them a chance to find their voice.”

ONCE THE STUDENTS ARE AT THE (TRIP) DESTINATION, I SEE A LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT THAT IS DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE IN A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM SETTING,” says Sarah Popek, principal of Myrtle Tate Elementary School.

BRINGING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING TO CCSD CLASSROOMS

Kindergarten teacher Rebecca-Anne Guranovich still remembers when her principal at Eva G. Simmons Elementary School announced an effort to implement Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).

“(She described how) its purpose is to teach students how to deal with the big emotions they feel, in a healthy and productive way,” Guranovich recalls.

Diving in, she quickly adapted her teaching to incorporate SEL. Her classroom’s daily routine now includes breathing exercises and group discussions on how to solve problems that students encounter daily, like when feelings get hurt or other kids don’t share

“Our day really runs smoothly for the most part, because of these discussions and lessons,” she says. “The behavior issues I’ve typically seen in the past are very minimal in our classroom, now.”

This represents just one example of how teachers and counselors strive to implement SEL throughout Clark County School District (CCSD).

SEL encapsulates a process in which students acquire “the skills, attitudes and knowledge” to develop a healthy identity, says Monica Martin, director of CCSD’s Guidance and Counseling Department.

This includes nurturing students’ abilities to manage emotions, maintain supportive relationships and make responsible and caring decisions, she says.

“We often hear about how soft skills are needed in the workforce, and social and emotional learning does just that,” Martin says.

How It’s Implemented

In the classroom, SEL focuses both on explicit instruction and a learning environment that incorporates social and emotional skills, Martin says.

Teachers and school counselors often partner on this, she adds.

“Students might have lessons from a school counselor on character traits, decision-making or conflict resolution,” she describes, which counselors deliver through class instruction, as well as counseling with small groups and individuals.

To map out this work, counselors include SEL in their school counseling programs based on student needs, Martin adds. These foster mindsets like self-confidence, as well as behavior standards like self-control.

Guranovich finds it useful to chart common problem-solving language with students, she notes, and to sort “good” choices versus “sad” choices.

“I also use social stories and discussion at transitional times in our schedule, to keep students focused on making good choices,” she says.

A Compelling Need in Today’s Classrooms

SEL has made significant strides in education since the 2000s, Martin says.

She believes SEL has become more crucial as social media increasingly shapes students’ lives.

“Students today are experiencing the world differently than generations past,” Martin says. “(They) are acquiring their identity and developing self-talk that is sometimes based on erroneous information.”

Fortunately, SEL helps address this.

It gives students numerous life skills, Martin says, including setting goals and taking initiative, communicating clearly and resolving conflicts.

Studies also show that SEL improves kids’ academic performance, curtails bullying and reduces dropout rates, according to the education nonprofit Committee for Children.

“When students have a healthy perspective of themselves and their environment, and relate to their peers in a positive manner, they will flourish academically,” Martin says.

A Lasting Impact

A national teacher survey by Civic Enterprises found that 95 percent of participants endorse SEL – indicating that schools nationwide will increasingly make it a priority.

Guranovich feels grateful that her school already does.

“These SEL lessons set the norm not only for (students) making good choices in school, but also making good choices for themselves in their educational careers,” she says.

Michelle Brown DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIPS AND PUBLICATIONS

Brianna Santiago MANAGER, SPONSORSHIPS

Beth Schwartz

PROGRAM PROJECT MANAGER AND EDITOR/CONTENT DEVELOPER

Kelly Leahy DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Ria Reodica GRAPHIC ARTIST

Alecia Westmorland CONTENT DEVELOPER

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Myron G. Martin PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Suzanne Chabre

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

Rick Darnold

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Glenn Medas

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Emma Medas VICE PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPY

Candy Schneider

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Special thanks to the following individuals for helping with the 2023 Heart of Education program:

Dr. Brad Keating, Executive Director, CCSD Engagement Unit

Alvin Dizon, Director, Engagement and Events

Pogos Kazanchyan, Director, Team Engagement

April Key, Chief Human Resources Officer

Michelle Loosbrock, The Jeff Wagner Agency

Congratulations to the nominees and winners. You are the Heart of Education.

“It’s not what is poured into a student that counts, but what is planted.”

- Linda Conway