Honor an Educator Awards

Adamson, Greg

Musician/Music Teacher
Fullerton, CA

Greg is a professional musician and teacher.  He has traveled far and near on tour, with music stars and in symphonies.  His expertise, knowledge and love of music is shared with many young people in classroom settings.  Students develop listening skills, beginning theory and historical facts.  Greg is a board member of  "All the Arts for all the Kids" in the Fullerton School District.
~Frances Kay Krausman~

Adler, Louise

Professor, California State University
Fullerton, CA

I feel blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to work under        Dr. Adler’s leadership as a student in the Educational Administration        program here at CSUF.  It is because of Dr. Adler’s passion for her        students that I had the confidence to pursue a Principalship early in my career.  Dr. Adler is a professor who takes seriously her duty to train and nurture leaders, going above and beyond to mentor her students even after they leave the university.  Having been associated with CSUF for the past 20 years, I have seen the Department of Educational Administration grow by leaps and bounds under her extraordinary leadership.  As a result of her dedication, CSUF is renowned for the quality of its program and is distinguished to be among the first to offer a prestigious doctoral degree.  Through commitment to education, Dr.  Adler will leave a legacy with each of her students which will be passed on for many years to come as we continue to mentor and inspire new leaders.   Thank you, Dr. Adler, for believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
~Julie Hatchel~

Bartle-Angus, Kathi

Coordinator, Undergraduate Reading Program
California State University 
Fullerton, CA

Kathi is an exceptional teacher.  Her primary responsibility is teaching READ 290, Critical Reading as Critical Thinking at CSUF.  In this course she truly guides students to think critically about the world around them.  Student accolades are consistently outstanding.  In addition, she is dedicated to providing an instructional environment that enhances the learning of all students.  They leave her classes better equipped to step into society in a positive and productive manner.
~Dr. Ashley L. Bishop~

I first knew Kathi when she was an elementary school teacher and student in the Reading masters degree program at CSUF.  I have watched in awe as she has become a faculty member there, teaching undergraduate and  graduate courses, leading the 9 to 90 Fullerton College-CSUF collaborative Reading program, serving three terms as president of the Reading alumni (Reading Educators Guild), holding various positions in the College Reading and Learning Assn. (she’s currently a candidate for a national office with the association) and coordinating the CSUF undergraduate reading program and cohorts in San Juan Capistrano, Newport-Mesa and  Fullerton-Buena Park.  On top of all this she’s a dedicated wife and mother.
~Dr. Deborah Hancock~

Besler, Gaye

Former Teacher, Staff Development Trainer
Currently School Principal, Fullerton School District
Fullerton, CA

Gaye's expertise in educational settings encourages all to accept the challenge to become the best you can be in instruction and life pursuits.  She supports all students and staff in the attainment of high educational goals and personal growth.  Always with a smile and caring manner, she truly represents the best in our profession.
~Frances Kay Krausman~

Calvert, Dawn

First Grade Teacher
Newport Elementary School
Newport Beach, CA

Dawn Calvert is first grade teacher at Newport Elementary School in Newport-Mesa USD where she has also served as a Literacy Coach.  She is being honored for her commitment to serving the academic needs of group home and foster care children through the CSUF/CLLC/OCSSA Literacy Tutoring Project.  Dawn participated in the CSUF Masters Degree in Reading Program with NMUSD Cohort #1.
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Carsrud, Jenni

Teacher at St. Mark's Community Preschool
Newport Beach, CA

Jenni Carsrud, a teacher at St. Mark’s Community Preschool in Newport Beach, is being honored for her significant contributions to the Literacy Tutoring Project.  Last summer, Jenni tutored a teen-age girl who lived in a group home and, as a result of this invaluable experience, has made insightful recommendations which have enhanced the success of the Project.  Jenni is a Literacy Tutoring Project staff member who assists the administrative team as well as tutors in the field.
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Carter-Wells, Dr. JoAnn

Professor at California State University
Fullerton, CA

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells is a CSU Fullerton College of Education professor who, among the many hats that she wears, serves as the Co-Director as well as the Technology Manager of the Literacy Tutoring Project.  She is being honored for exemplifying Level 5 Leadership as explicated in Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great.  JoAnn inspires the Literacy Tutoring Project team to keep their eyes on the prize by maintaining a singular focus, better known as the Hedgehog Concept, because of her passion for improving the literacy skills of group home and foster care students.  Her tireless energy motivates everyone to persevere in accelerating students’ reading and writing skills because “Kids Can’t Wait!”
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Donoghue, Dr. Mildred

Professor, California State University
Fullerton, CA

Dr. Donoghue's years in education as a leader, instructor and author benefits administrations, teachers and students of all ages.  Her commitment to concept attainment and excellence is recognized by many in the profession.  She supports others through scholarships and the established Donoghue Children's Literature Center at CSUF.
~Frances Kay Krausman~

Duncan, Minard

Retired Teacher/Administrator 
Current School Board Member Fullerton School District
Fullerton, CA

For more than fifty years, Minard has made and continues to make a significant difference for students, staffs, administrations, and in volunteer community service.  He believes all children should be presented with a quality education with emphasis on basic skills in all content areas. He also believes that education should prepare students to become responsible citizens who give back to their communities.
~Frances Kay Krausman~

Dustin, Sherry

Principal, Parks Junior High School
Fullerton, CA

During my first year of teaching, Sherry was an experienced teacher who had her classroom nearby. Sherry was there when I needed support and encouragement. In an under performing school I needed to know that we could make an impact on students. Watching her teach and interact with students was very inspirational and insightful in learning how to be an effective teacher and mentor to all students.
~Patricia Hawkey~

Ellison, Elizabeth

Fifth Grade Teacher
Fisler School
Fullerton, CA

Beth Ellison is a CSUF alum and an incredible educator.  She was the fifth-grade teacher for both of my sons and has left an indelible mark on who they are as people.  She had an undying faith in them as writers and encouraged them to see themselves as writers.  My older son, Alex, is now majoring in English at UC Berkeley, and Zachary is known as a terrific writer in high school.  Ms. Ellison's influence lives on!
~Dr. Andrea Guillaume~

Ernst, Sherri

Kindergarten Teacher 
Woodbury Elementary School
Irvine, CA

Mrs. Ernst was our granddaughter's kindergarten teach last year. She helped make the transition from pre-school to public school a happy and healthy experience. She was warm and caring, and treated each child as a unique individual.
~Dr. Marsha Link~

Herron, Mary

Coordinator, Staff Development
Orange County Department of Education
Costa Mesa, CA

I am honoring Mary for her work in alternative education curriculum.  She has been in alternative education 15 years in all areas of curriculum.  She works with teachers who work with at-risk children and incarcerated youth.
~Joel Slutzky~

Hirschey, Julie

First Grade Teacher 
Woodbury Elementary School
Irvine, CA

Ms. Hirschey is our granddaughter's 1st grade teacher this year. She is instrumental in helping Hailey become a good reader. She is making Hailey's school experience both exciting and challenging.
~Dr. Marsha Link~

Kuriyama, Sandra

Fourth Grade Teacher at
Dooley Elementary School
Long Beach, CA

Sandy has guided and encouraged 4th graders at Dooley Elementary School (formerly Sutter School) in the Long Beach Unified School District for 20 years. Regardless of a student’s ethnic or socio-economic background, Sandy helps each child experience success and be unafraid of learning, which is no small achievement! Under girding this nurturing environment is a structure of “expected excellence”, which requires (and rewards) hard work. She inspires her students to do their best, and they leave her classroom better prepared to do so – and missing their daily dose of her wonderful laugh.
~Bobbee Cline~

Lamar, Carol

Fourth Grade Teacher 
Fairmont Elementary School
Yorba Linda, CA

Mrs. Lamar is a 4th grade teacher at Fairmont Elementary School and has been my daughter's teacher for the past two years . She has been such a wonderful role model who brightens her students' lives on a daily basis.  She is a consistently positive, dynamic teacher who really deserves this award!  Thank you, for everything, Mrs. Lamar.  You are loved and appreciated!
~Dr. Melinda Pierson~

Mann, Doug

Retired Teacher & Athletic Director
Irons, MI

Mr. Mann made such an impact in my life, after 30 years, he is still making a difference!  He helped me to develop skills necessary to excel in the classroom and these skills have become useful in my daily business environment.  Mr. Mann took the time to ensure each of his students were successful.  He worked with them one on one and helped them to each bring out their strengths.  He found a way to guide us as students to stretch us and make us responsible.  We really wanted to succeed in his class and make him proud.  He was a very special gift to me as a student and I will forever be grateful for his lessons in the classroom that I continue to use today in my everyday life.
~Kristin S. Crellin~

Merryman, Mary

Kindergarten Teacher 
Adams Elementary School
Costa Mesa, CA

Mary Merryman is a Kindergarten teacher at Adams Elementary School in Newport-Mesa USD.  She is being honored for her involvement in the Literacy Tutoring Project because she loves teaching reading/language arts.  She firmly believes that all children can be successful at reading and feels very fortunate to be teaching third grader, Dominic, after having been her kindergarten teacher in 2004-2005.  
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Mitchell N., Judy

Dean, College of Education, 
Washington State University, Pullman

Judy was a powerful, always accessible and deeply humane role model and mentor at a time in my life when I very much needed someone in my corner. She believed in my capabilities, helped open doors for me and assisted in helping me negotiate opportunities for myself. As a teacher, researcher, and administrator she made and continues to make positive meaningful contributions to the lives of many.
~Dr. Carmen Zuniga Dunlap~

Montiel, Monique

Kindergarten Teacher
Woodland Elementary School
Costa Mesa, CA

Monique Montiel is a Kindergarten teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Newport-Mesa USD.  She is being honored for her tireless dedication in working with two group home children as part of the Literacy Tutoring Project.  Monique says she got involved in the Literacy Tutoring Project because she wanted to continue using the skills that she acquired during the CSUF Masters in Reading Program.
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Olsen L., Rebecca

Kindergarten Teacher
Woodland Elementary School
Costa Mesa, CA

Rebecca Olsen is a Kindergarten teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Newport-Mesa USD.  She studied with NMUSD Cohort #2 of the Masters Degree in Reading Program at CSUF and graduated in May 2004.  Rebecca got involved in the Literacy Tutoring Project because she wanted to be a part of something that could effectively change the lives of group home and foster care children in a positive way.  She believes that every child, regardless of his or her situation, deserves to excel in life. Learning how to read is one of the best ways to achieve that outcome!
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Rosen, Ruth

Art Educator Coach
Orange County Department of Education
Costa Mesa, CA

I am honoring Ruth for her 15 years of teaching as a teacher trainer.  She was county mentor for the OCDE Alternative Education Group.  Ruth works with at-risk children and incarcerated youth.
~Joel Slutzky~

Sanders, Jeff

Fourth Grade Teacher, Fairmont Elementary School,
Yorba Linda, CA 

Mr. Sanders has been my daughter’s favorite teacher ever!  He makes learning fun for all of his students and shows them how much he cares every day.  Thank you, Mr. Sanders, for making a difference in Bailey’s life!
~Dr. Melinda Pierson~

Satchwill, Sharilyn

Director of Internship Programs at
Adams Central Schools
Bluffton, IN

Sharilyn is my niece and she has taught business classes to juniors and seniors for several years. She recently was promoted to Director of Internships to connect students with businesses to provide work experiences while they are in high school.
~Dr. Marsha Link~

Shinners A., Susan

Literacy Coach
College Park Elementary School
Costa Mesa, CA

Susan A. Shinners is the Literacy Coach at College Park Elementary School in Newport-Mesa USD.  In 2005, she earned the unique distinction of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher.  Susan studied for her Masters Degree and Reading Specialist Credential from the CSUF College of Education with NMUSD Cohort #1.  She is being honored through the "Honor an Educator" program for her commitment in working with the Literacy Tutoring Project.
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Stuart, Denise

Retired Kindergarten Teacher
La Habra Schools
La Habra, CA

Denise Stuart is a retired kindergarten teacher who, through her volunteer work, keeps on giving to her fellow teachers and our children.  Denise has taught kindergarten for all but one of her thirty-three years in La Habra City School District.  During those years her students learned from her warm, gentle and accepting manner.  She has a way of inspiring her students to do their best.  Parents and teachers alike have recognized her vast effect on children.  She has been the La Habra Teacher of the Year, a mentor to many teachers and a very good friend.
~Sarah Holmes~

Travassaros, Kelly

First Grade Teacher, Fairmont Elementary School
Yorba Linda, CA

Mrs. Travassaros is my son's sweet first grade teacher at Fairmont elementary School.  Besides the gift of exciting her students about attending school, Mrs. Travassaros is incredibly organized, enthusiastic and is an overall fantastic teacher.  My son, Brett, has been blessed by her patience, humor and love this year.
~Dr. Melinda Pierson~

Truitt Carol , Julia

Kindergarten Teacher a
Peters Elementary School
Garden Grove, CA

After substituting for many years while raising her two sons, Carol put on her “determination cap”, finished her credential, and twelve years ago began teaching kindergarten at Garden Grove Unified School District’s Peters Elementary. Her students come from a highly diverse community, most with no pre-kindergarten classroom experience, which makes their entrance into public school an intimidating experience. Carol’s warm smile and gentle presence immediately make each and every child feel welcomed and ‘safe’ in her classroom. Her passion for presenting age-appropriate curriculum to these young children is known far and wide, as is her commitment to addressing their –and their families’ - special needs as they assimilate into an unfamiliar environment.
~Bobbee Cline~

Vincent F Alves, Lucia

First Grade Teacher
Woodland Elementary School
Costa Mesa, CA

Lucia Vincent is a first grade teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Newport Mesa USD who studied with NMUSD Cohort #1 and graduated in May 2001 from CSUF College of Education.  She has also taught 3rd and 4th graders in Brazil.  Lucia is a multi-talented teacher who is literate in Portuguese and also has Spanish oral fluency.  Lucia became involved in the Literacy Tutoring Program because she was interested in reviewing and applying different assessments and instructional strategies in a one-on-one situation.  Lucia is dedicated to helping foster care children develop their literacy skills.
~Dr, Julie Chan~

Wood, Sandra

Seventh grade teacher 
Charles H. TeWinkle Middle School 
Costa Mesa, CA

Sandy Wood is a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Charles H. TeWinkle Middle School, which is named after Costa Mesa’s first mayor.  She came to be involved in the Literacy Tutoring Project because of her recent teaching assignment as a READ 180 Teacher.  There, she worked with below grade level Middle School students in the READ 180 intensive intervention reading program and helped turn their academic lives around 180 degrees!  Sandy studied for her Masters Degree in Reading at Cal State, Fullerton with Cohort #1 and graduated in 2001.
~Dr. Julie Chan~

Wright, Nancee

Professor at California State University
Fullerton, CA

Nancee Wright is an exceptional educator who has touched the lives of many university students and future teachers.  As the founding Assistant Dean in the College of Education, Nancee recruited and mentored our exceptional student leaders and supported them in establishing the College’s Interclub Council and Student Ambassadors. And she taught all of us – faculty, department chairs, staff, and administrators – to hear the student voice and understand the student perspective.
~Dr. Claire Cavallaro~