Home Brentwood California League of Middle Schools Region 4 Honors Brentwood Teachers

California League of Middle Schools Region 4 Honors Brentwood Teachers

by ECT

The Brentwood Union School District announced that three teachers are being honored by the California League of Middle Schools Region 4 as Educators of the Year.

Lisa Kennealy from Adams Middle School, Michelle Mendoza from Bristow Middle School and Frances Prochaska from Edna Hill Middle School will be honored at a special awards dinner on Friday January 12th, 2018 at St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

Superintendent Dana Eaton complimented the teachers.

“Michelle, Frances and Lisa are wonderful examples of the tremendous impact that teachers can have on a large number of students.  Each of these three exemplary teachers impact dozens of students in a profound way each and every year.  We are so fortunate to have them work for us and thrilled that they are getting this well-deserved recognition,” said Eaton.

Michelle Mendoza – Bristow Middle School
When staff, students and parents are asked for the name of teachers who make a difference at Bristow , they often speak about Michelle Mendoza.   Mrs. Mendoza goes above and beyond the call of duty for her students and all students at Bristow Middle School.  This is demonstrated in her leadership (both formal and informal), teaching in the classroom, commitment to being a life-long learner and to nurturing herself and others through professional development, and a commitment to the underserved.  Michelle has been referred to as the “Mama Bear” at Bristow, home of the Bears.

Mrs. Mendoza joined the Bristow Middle School staff in 2005-2006 school year.  Mrs. Mendoza has taught 6th grade at Bristow for the past 12 years.    Prior to joining BUSD, Mrs. Mendoza taught 3rd, 6th, and 7th grade in Hayward and San Ramon.  Mrs. Mendoza exhibits the courage and excitement on a daily basis interacting with students, staff and parents.  Mrs. Mendoza makes a difference every day!

Frances Prochaska – Edna Hill Middle School
Frances Prochaska is an extraordinary human being and teacher.  Frances has given countless hours of her life and is thoroughly committed to our entire organization’s success by encouraging and motivating students and colleagues. Included in her leadership roles at Edna Hill Middle School are: Special Education Department Chair, Professional Development Team Member and Intervention Coordinator.  In addition to these contributions, Mrs. Prochaska has the ability to make every person she comes into contact with feel like the most important person in the world.

Frances Prochaska has taught students with disabilities for 22 years in Brentwood Union School District and finds a way to connect with her students, and ensure all students are included in the community at large. She will do whatever it takes to ensure a student has the tools they need for success.  She is an incredible educator, a beautiful sprit and makes a difference every day.

Lisa Kenneally – Adams Middle School
Mrs. Kennealy has a positive effect on student learning, school culture, and school program. She has refined the drama, cyber-literacy, and creative dramatics curriculums and creates a new elective, Film Studies, that asks students to analyze and evaluate films based on their learning around the artistic elements of film-making. She works collaboratively with colleagues and community, establishing strong partnerships. Her work ethic and innovative mind command respect. She has helped develop our GATE program, our Odyssey of the Mind program, our Actors in Motion club, and worked to establish our California Junior Scholarship Federation status.

However, it is her connection to students and student-learning that sets her apart as a truly outstanding educator. Since she has taken the helm of our drama and creative dramatics classes, the program has soared to new heights. The sheer number of students involved in our school productions is absolutely inspiring, but the fact that those students are reflective of our school demographics is more impressive. Mrs. Kennealy is inclusive to the utmost degree, folding students from our most challenging SDC program into productions with relative ease. These students benefit greatly from the diverse make-up of the group and our campus climate does, too. She is a most outstanding candidate for the California League of Middle Schools Educator of the Year. I am thrilled to have her represent our site, our district, and our profession.

Information provided by the Brentwood Union School District

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