Monday, Sep. 01, 2008

Kindergarten teacher honored by ESD

Toni Cuello isn't only a kindergarten teacher.

She's also a bridge for her students from their worlds at home to their new lives at school.

Her commitment to giving them the best first experience in the classroom helped her win the title of Educational Service District 123 Regional Teacher of the Year.

The award was announced this week.

"She's pretty much the consummate teacher," said Kathy Hayden, the former principal of Emerson Elementary School in Pasco, where Cuello has worked since 2005.

Cuello, 27, who got married this summer and used to go by her maiden name of Mortimer, now is eligible for state Teacher of the Year.

She'll face off this fall against the eight other regional winners from around Washington. ESD 123 in Pasco covers school districts in Southeastern Washington from Asotin to Walla Walla.

A teacher from Pasco has been selected for the regional award three out of the last four years. The regional winner picked last year, Laura Jones from Pasco High went on to become state Teacher of the Year.

Cuello said she was surprised and excited to learn she'd been picked.

"It's an honor just to be involved in a district that's constantly growing and pushing for professional development for teachers," she said.

She started with the district in 2004, teaching science at Ellen Ochoa Middle School. She switched to kindergarten at Emerson the next year.

Hayden, who's now director of employee relations for the Pasco district, praised Cuello's positive attitude, energy and organization.

"She's very warm, very supportive, very accepting, and yet she challenges her kids," Hayden said.

Cuello also coordinated assessments at Emerson last year, and was one of the first teachers in Pasco to volunteer for the early start kindergarten program.

The program has kindergartners start classes a few weeks early so they can adjust to the routine of school without the extra pressure of older kids around. It now has expanded to eight schools in Pasco.

Cuello also has been a leader among kindergarten teachers in the district and is quick to reach out those who are new, Hayden said. Cuello recently completed National Board Certification.

She sat in her classroom after school this week and talked about how good it feels to help students discover new things.

She wants her young charges to have the best possible impression of school while they're in her class, so they love learning their whole lives, she said.

"I love having their first day of school. That means a lot," Cuello said. "They all deserve the very best first day and first year."