08/10/2021 -
SCOE is delighted to welcome six amazing Teachers-on-Loan to the ESS team. The Teacher-on-Loan assignment is a position designated for teachers from local school districts who are “on loan” to SCOE to provide instructional and coaching support for educators across the county. A few years ago, Teachers-on-Loan were instrumental in supporting educators with the implementation of Common Core State Standards. This year, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as educators across the county transition back to in-person instruction after teaching remotely, the TOLs will be providing essential support in the areas of math, ELA/ELD, and science. In addition, a team of TOLs will be working with high school teachers to strengthen integrated instruction through work-based learning and K-12 pathways.
Emily Akinshin
Teacher on Loan - Math (Oak Grove USD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
The anticipated adoption of the new California Math Framework will push all of us into a deeper understanding of equity, and differentiation in the math classroom. I’m excited to get to be a part of implementing this social justice issue.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
What’s not to love? But if I had to choose one thing, it is the access to multiple and beautiful hiking trails all over the county. I could do without the rattle snakes, though!
Christi Calson
Teacher on Loan - K12 Pathway Coordinator (Cloverdale USD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
I’m most excited about continuing to work with the fabulous CCR Force to transform the school experience in positive ways. I’m also excited about getting to work with teachers (and maybe even students) in person!
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
There’s so much to love about living and working here -- the people, the arts community, the oak trees and vineyards, the food, the outdoor opportunities -- I am especially grateful to live so close to my parents and where I grew up in Ukiah, as well.
Chris Catelli
Teacher on Loan - Work-Based Learning Coach (Windsor USD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
I am most excited to get on school sites and collaborate in-person. There is so much to learn about ourselves and students as we slowly transition back to pre-COVID conditions.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County is so well balanced, whether it is our climate, our range of scenery, our fusion of foods, or proximity to the city and adventure. However, I would enjoy none of these things to the same extent if Sonoma County was not also home to family.
Ryan Kurada
Teacher on Loan - Science (Cotati-Rohnert Park USD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
I am very much looking forward to collaborating with the ESS team in developing innovative teaching and learning initiatives.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
I love Sonoma County’s scenic beauty, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay makes it the perfect place to live and work. The weather is great and there is so much to see and do. I enjoy dining out in our excellent restaurants, visiting local regional parks, and also heading out to my favorite farmer’s market.
Lauren Ridgway
Teacher on Loan - ELA/ELD (Rincon Valley USD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
It is an honor to join the ESS team this year and closely collaborate with colleagues who inspire and motivate me to become a better educator. I am most excited to witness first-hand how our county uses lessons from the past 17 months to reimagine the way we can create equitable educational opportunities for all students in all of our schools.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County is such a beautiful place to live and work. I feel lucky to have beaches, forests, vineyards, large cities, and small towns all within our county boundaries. I especially appreciate how our county has demonstrated resilience over the past four years by pulling together to support each other through difficult times.
Nicole Wilkinson
Teacher on Loan - Work-Based Learning Coach (WSCUHSD)
What you are most excited about for the 2021-22 year?
I’m really looking forward to connecting with teachers in their classroom environments. I’ve missed the buzz of a high school campus. I’m eager to support and emotionally uplift teachers so that they have the opportunity to fall in love with teaching young people again!
What is your favorite thing about living/working in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County means nature and family to me. Plus the drive to work is never ugly!
