Sonoma County Office of Education

Congratulations to Amee Alioto, Teacher of the Month

02/01/2019 -

Amee Alioto with her studentsJennie Harriman, an elementary school teacher with Spring Creek Elementary in Rincon Valley Union School District, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for February 2019.

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 104.9, and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), with additional support from Platinum Chevrolet.

“We need high-quality, caring teachers now more than ever to help our students thrive in a complex and ever-changing world,” 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."

Enthusiastic nominations from colleagues and parents described Mrs. Harriman as "one to always go above and beyond for not only her current students but past students as well."

"Mrs.Harriman is a huge part of our school," wrote one parent who nominated Mrs. Harriman. "She makes lasting connections with the families her in class. She is a board member for the schools PTA and helps out with any project the school has including a huge end of the year movie. Mrs.Harriman has made all of my kids feel safe and gave them a love of school. She will even help pick up kids on her way to take her own to school."

Representatives from SCOE and KHITS 104.9 surprised Mrs. Harriman with the award at a school assembly on Wednesday, March 13. The students smiled, clapped, and cheered enthusiastically when the honor was announced. Mrs. Harriman also received a plaque and $400 classroom supply gift card.

Mrs. Harriman said she was shocked and excited to receive the award. "Teaching is something that started off because it was in my blood—I come from a long line of teachers. But when you see those aha moments of kids being able to believe in themselves and be more of who they are as people, you know that you're doing what you were meant to do be doing."