04/20/2018 -
Leslie Edmonds, a teacher for visually impaired students with the Sonoma County Office of Education, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for April 2018.
The monthly award honors one of Sonoma County's most outstanding teachers from October through May. It is sponsored by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), K-HITS 1049, and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), with additional support from Platinum Chevrolet.
“During these challenging times of post-fire recovery, we need teachers more than ever to help our students overcome adversity and thrive,” said Steven D. Herrington, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. “The Teacher of the Month program this year seeks to honor, support, and thank those teachers. I'm happy to honor one of SCOE's own teachers for the first time this month."
Numerous enthusiastic nominations described Ms. Edmonds as an outstanding teacher and dedicated advocate for the students with visual impairments that she serves, whose work broadens the world of experience and information to which her students have access. As an itinerant teacher, she travels to schools around Sonoma County to help students with vision loss find innovative ways to learn and access the school curriculum.
"Leslie is the most compassionate, dedicated teacher I've ever met," read one nomination. "As a teacher of the visually impaired, the work she does to further not only her students' education, but to help inform the world around us of the need for accessibility and equal rights to a quality education for every student, is incredible. I have never met a person who is as open, ready, and willing to help you through any situation, big or small. Leslie is an amazing mother, teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend."
Another nomination, by a coworker, said, "She is not only always thinking of how to get our students what they need, but how to make what we give to our kids shareable and universal, so that other districts and counties can use our resources for their students."
Ms. Edmonds was surprised at a staff meeting with the award, which includes a plaque and $400 classroom supply gift card. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues for their support and teamwork.
Know an amazing teacher? Click here to nominate them for Teacher of the Month!
