Redlands Educators Honored

Five local school teachers selected by students, parents and their peers were honored at a Teachers of Excellence reception on February 27, 2014. Each teacher recognized represents the best in public education in the Redlands Unified School District. The annual event is sponsored by the Public Affairs committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and is held at the Redlands Stake Center. The educators were recognized for outstanding teaching in the classroom and concern for the needs of children and their families. Each teacher received a “Classroom Care Package” filled with school supplies and a certificate of honor. Lori Rhodes, Superintendent of Schools along with School Board members were present to recognize the outstanding impact these teachers make on the lives of children in Redlands schools. Michael Strong, President of the Redlands Stake also participated in the presentation. Everyone present, including students, parents, fellow teachers and the public, was grateful for the dedication and service of these outstanding educators. Michelle Astley, who teaches at Moore Middle School, is described by a colleague as the most dedicated, caring, and understanding middle school PE teacher a student could hope to have. Astley was born in Upland, the youngest of seven children and graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with a Masters Degree; she was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her teaching career began in Fontana but she has taught at a number of Redlands Unified schools. Her philosophy is that every student deserves another chance and she believes her role as a teacher is to encourage them to become good citizens in the future. She also believes in service to others so when a student needs that extra note of encouragement or a reminder of how important they are she is there to provide that extra touch. Krystal Haskins teaches fourth grade at Kimberly Elementary but has also taught third and fifth grade during her 16-year teaching career. She is a University of Redlands graduate and obtained her Masters degree at Azusa Pacific University. She is described by her colleagues as a “great teacher”. Haskins brought the National Geographic map to Kimberly which covers most of the floor of the cafeteria and provides a visual learning experience in geography for all of the students at Kimberly. She is also a G.A.T.E. teacher and works with the fifth graders who help students through tutoring. To put it simply, she works well with children and always inspires them to do their best. Wendy Williamson teaches a kindergarten/transition combo at Crafton Elementary. She is loved by parents, students and staff and is called a “gem of the Redlands Unified School District”. Williamson also graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.A and Masters degree. Her teaching philosophy is that every child learns in a different way, at his or her own pace. She describes her students as little sponges and loves watching them grow and learn to do great things by years end. Her Principal, Patti Buchmiller said, “Wendy is one of the sweetest teachers I know. Her caring, warm style sets the foundation for her students. She loves her little Cougar Cubs and their parents with all her heart. There is no better start to an educational career!” Mission Elementary School is home to Kristin Borman who teaches fifth grade. Kristin has taught in a variety of schools in Redlands since coming here 25 years ago from Michigan where she was born, educated and began her teaching career. Of her teaching style she says, “I have a personal touch.” She sets high standards for her classes but she strives to make learning fun and instill in her students successful habits which lead to a successful life. She is friendly and lets each child know she cares about them and their future. Her colleagues say that she loves education because she has a chance to influence a child’s life each and every day. Tricia Van Sant is a fourth grade teacher at Judson and Brown Elementary. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles on a full-ride basketball scholarship and then continued on to earn a masters degree in school counseling. Her career spans 21 years starting in Fontana for the first 11 years and then to Redlands. She has taught a variety of grades and locations but claims fourth grade is her favorite. In addition to her teaching duties she also coached volleyball for 20 years until a recent injury forced her to stop. She is recognized for treating children with respect, understanding their needs, breaking subject matter into understandable basics and treating her classroom like a family. She keeps a positive attitude and always strives to bring out the best in each student.