
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.
“Heidi comes to work every day with energy, enthusiasm, and love for her students. Students are welcomed every day with a smile.”
-Woodland Elementary Principal, Heather McMullen
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.
“I do not have words to express
Darcy’s value to our school. Her impact goes so far and so deep in our culture,
instructional and institutional systems.”
- Spinning Elementary Principal, Kari Helling
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
Once again, congratulations to the 2018-19Teacher of the Year recipients.