Kelly Schuetz Named Teacher of the Month

12/05/2017 -

Kelly Schuetz, a fourth grade teacher at J.X. Wilson Elementary in Santa Rosa, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for November 2017.

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.”

Ms. Schuetz embodied this spirit of community mindedness and support in the weeks after the fire. She put together a clothing and supply drive for the families in her school district that were affected by the fire. When the drive resulted in hundreds of boxes and thousands of items for fire victims, she found a storage facility and recruited students and fellow staff members to help her organize all the supplies. Then she organized a donation giveaway for any families in need. This event will take place Dec. 9 at JX Wilson Elementary from 10:00am-4:00pm. Any fire victims are invited to attend.

“She has done so much for our community in this tragic time,” wrote one nomination.

Ms. Schuetz was described as creative and energetic—a teacher to whom children naturally gravitate.

Ms. Schuetz was surprised at a school-wide assembly with the award, which includes a plaque and $400 classroom supply gift card. Some of the donations she’d helped gather stood behind her in the school’s multi-purpose room, a fitting testament to her hard work. Students and staff members alike cheered enthusiastically when they heard she had won.