The Puyallup School Board of Directors congratulates the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year recipients, Heidi Eshpeter, Darcy Holland, and Andrew Viniarski.  The recipients were honored at last night’s board meeting in front of their family and colleagues.

“We are grateful to have such amazing educators in Puyallup. Each of them sets an example of compassion and care for each child, and their impact will last a lifetime not only for the student but out entire community.”
                                                                          -School Board of Directors President, Kathy Yang

Heidi serves students with social and emotional needs in grades three through six at Woodland Elementary. Heidi started working in the district in 1996. Heidi is known for going “over and above” what is needed to integrate students into regular classrooms and into the school culture.

Heidi’s passion and commitment for students with challenges is evident in her dedication and daily characteristics of patience, kindness, sense of humor, and her tremendous smile.

Making an impact every minute of every day is how one colleague described Darcy Holland. A Puyallup School District veteran of 11 years, Darcy currently works at Spinning Elementary as a LAP teacher. She serves as a member of the CARE team, leadership team, serves on a grade level PLC team, leads a book study for new teachers, serves as the building assessment coordinator, and supports Spinning’s PTA events.

Darcy is passionate about best teaching practices and models them in all of her lessons. The best practices is evident in the measure of growth with her students, some of which are the most struggling learners. Despite the growth of her students, Darcy is always pushing for new ways to close the gap even further. Darcy’s data-driven knowledge helps her to steer instruction and helps others do the same.

A speaker of multiple languages, Andrew Viniarski, English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, is an inspiration to both students and staff. He works with some of the most at-risk students, non-English speakers, some who are experiencing school for the first time and learning the rules as they navigate through culture shock. Andrew makes extra time to connect with students and assures their needs are being met.

Andrew has been a dedicated employee of the Puyallup School District since 2004. Since he began working at Glacier View Junior High and Emerald Ridge High school Andrew has provided after school tutoring two days a week. The high number of student participating attests to the success of the program and the positive relationships he has established with the students.

“Andrew is recognized by colleagues as a significant contributor to our ELL students’ academic engagement and motivation. Our ELL students are motivated to be their best because they know how much Andrew cares about them and they see how hard he works on their behalf. “ 
                                                          -Director of Instructional Leadership K-12, Arturo Gonzalez