The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) recently hosted the inaugural Subbies Awards Reception, recognizing the substitute teachers who provide vital support and stability to local classrooms. The event on Friday, May 8, at SCOE’s Santa Rosa headquarters, honored 48 nominees and three standout winners for their exceptional dedication to Sonoma County’s students and districts.

Teachers Jake Burnett, Kirstin Bunch, and Lissa Turnbull were the stand out recipients of this year’s Subbies. Each received a $100 check from Community First Credit Union in recognition of their efforts.

Representing Petaluma Junior High Principal Ray McClintock, Office Manager Dana Gustafson spoke about the massive impact Burnett was able to make on students as a substitute. “Ray had many conversations with district officials about, ‘Who is this Mr. Burnett who keeps showing up on our YouthTruth surveys? We don’t have a Mr. Burnett.’ It turns out, that’s your No. 1 sub,” she said.

Lissa Turnbull, who subs at Altimira Middle School in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, was recognized for “the way she shows up for our kids,” a line from her nomination. “She doesn’t just come in to cover her class,” the nomination read. “She builds relationships, she brings warmth, and she makes students feel seen and comfortable.”

Also recognized was Kirstin Bunch, who subs at Marguerite Hahn Elementary in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. “She does not approach substitute teaching as simply filling a role for the day,” one of several nominations read. “She approaches it as if being fully responsible for maintaining the integrity, rigor, and culture of the classroom.”

“Substitute teachers play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of learning,” said Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. “These awards help elevate their importance in our education system. The best substitutes fuel student success by stepping in at a moment’s notice to provide high-quality instruction and guidance.”

Setting the gold standard for substitutes, the "Subbies" were evaluated by a selection committee based on five specific pillars of excellence: taking initiative beyond basic job duties, demonstrating exceptional instructional skill through curriculum following and stellar classroom management, maintaining a positive attitude that uplifts both students and staff, earning a legacy of respect within the school communities they serve, and contributing meaningfully to the long-term mission and vision of the school system.

Besides the three Substitute Teachers of the Year, the reception honored the following nominees:

• Adele Daw
• Alexander Ward
• Amanda Marino
• Angela Mizera
• Bill Galloway
• Blythe (Mari) Oliver
• Brian DeWitt
• Bruce Standifer
• Carrie Miller
• Carrie Wilson
• Christine Castillo
• Corina Beckman
• Danielle Mallein
• Diane Osten
• Ellen Gruenhagen
• Emili Marlar
• Glenn Chapin
• Gregory Sousa
• Harry Duke
• James Bergmann
• Jennifer Gwynne
• Jennifer Smith
• John Schaberg
• Julie Ryan
• Kaitrin Lindsey
• Karen Wood
• Kathleen Haack
• Kathy Byrne
• Kay Folks
• Kenley Blotner
• Lonica Furniss
• Loretta Castleberry
• Marissa Martinez
• Megan Fonseca
• Melissa Anderson
• Michael Nilan
• Michelle Covington
• Nona Gamble
• Petra Torri
• Rosy Laden
• Ruth Barron
• Sarah Kelly
• Thomas Craig
• Timothy Benton
• Wayne Ritchie