05/10/2020 -
Nikki Thompson, a SCOE preschool teacher at the El Colegio preschool in Rohnert Park, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for April 2020.
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 and Bernstein Orthodontics.
“So many teachers have stepped up in incedible ways to support students and families during these unprecedented times of distance learning,” 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 who have gone above and beyond to support students during the shelter-in-place."
Ms. Thompson has been a dedicated, caring educator for more than two decades, according to nomination by a parent of a preschool student. But during the shelter-in-place, she has gone even further to support her students remotely.
Ms. Thompson has stayed in close contact with families, giving them emotional and moral support. She is "consistently driving to every kid's house to drop off our weekly packet and giving us morning circle so the kids can have a little normalcy during these unprecedented times," said one parent. Ms. Thompson also offers to train parents in areas where they are struggling and records afternoon circle readings for the children.
"I am very thankful to her and her co-teachers for all the help and support and I feel that we couldn't have gone through this if we hadnt had [that] support," the parent added.
Representatives from SCOE and KHITS surprised Ms. Thompson over a virtual staff meeting being held with the SCOE early childhood education department. She was also given $600 worth of gift cards for classroom supplies, courtesy of Bernstein Orthodontics, Platinum Chevrolet, and Redwood Credit Union.
Learn more and nominate a special teacher in your life by going to http://www.sonomacountyteacher.com
