Teach your children well: more of San Francisco's best educators

October 1, 1:37 PMSF Education ExaminerCaroline Grannan

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All these teachers are stars

Here are more “best teachers” in San Francisco, submitted by an unscientific array of parents and others. As with yesterday’s list, the criteria are: In San Francisco, past or present, public or private.

Same disclaimer: With all these names, I'm not checking spellings or current status.

Phil Abrams, Lakeshore Elementary, 5th grade (retired)

Laurie Baker Flynn, Alvarado Elementary, kindergarten: “A fantastic teacher and went the extra mile to market the school.”

Karen Berman, James Lick Middle School, algebra: “Uses creative teaching techniques to engage 8th-grade students.”

Ron Bucchanan, Creative Arts Charter School, K-1 grades

Erin Carder, Creative Arts Charter, K-1

Karen Chu, West Portal Elementary Chinese Immersion, 4th-5th grades: “Encourages the use of arts and crafts in teaching, takes kids to Fort Ross to emulate the Russian settlers, took class to China…”

Amy Clark, Creative Arts Charter, 6th grade

Ruth Corley, Creative Arts Charter, 4th grade

Patrick Delaney and Alison Shepard, A.P. Giannini Middle School (formerly), humanities: “The two best teachers in my children’s lives. … These talented and inspiring teachers made a truly lasting impression.”

Irene Fong, McKinley Elementary

Jody Frandle, Clarendon Second Community, 5th grade

Mr. Gelfand, George Peabody Elementary, 5th grade

Mr. Grimstad, James Lick, algebra: “Really challenges the kids and is always available to help.”

Tobi Hacker, James Lick, language arts: “Great teacher, mentor, spends an inordinate amount of time with the kids.”

Peter Haslam, Roosevelt Middle School, math and science: “Knows how to make his courses fun, challenging and cool!”

Ms. Heidi, James Lick: “Brilliant, hardworking, really gets the kids engaged.”

Rosemary Hiller, Alvarado Elementary 3rd grade: “Funny, rigorous, inspiring.”

Prudence Hull, Clarendon

Maria Jenerick, Creative Arts Charter, 7th-8th grades

Leslie Keir, Creative Arts Charter, Visual Art

Abbey Kingan, West Portal Cinese Immersion, 5th grade: “Encourages kids to think out of the box.”

Dan Kryston, School of the Arts (SOTA), Theater Tech department head: “If you saw Beauty and the Beast last spring at SOTA you know why his name is on the list. SOTA musical theater is a hot ticket because of Dan.”

Jeff Larson, Balboa High School, arts and computer arts

Jennie Lee, West Portal Chinese Immersion, K-1: “Goes out of her way to help kids.”

Elizabeth Levitt, George Peabody Elementary, kindergarten: “Fun, down-to-earth, great with all kinds of new learners.”

Isabelle McDaniel, Creative Arts Charter, K-1

Phyllis Matsuno, Principal, Longfellow Elementary, previously Sherman Elementary: “She is proof that with strong leadership from the top, the achievement gap can be closed!”

Ms. Mooney, Alvarado, kindergarten: “An amazing, fun, dedicated teacher.”

Brooke Nagel, Creative Arts Charter, 3rd grade

Joy Okochi, Creative Arts Charter, paraprofessional aide: “An astonishing capacity for patience, understanding and enthusiasm.”

Heather Rothaus, Clarendon Second Community, 4th grade

Becky Sawada, Creative Arts Charter, 3rd grade: "Kind and patient and she truly tries to meet the kids' individual learning needs."

Susie Siegel, Yick Wo Elementary, kindergarten: “Caring and enthusiastic.”

Luis Sierra, Alvarado, 4th grade: “He teaches complicated math concepts through origami. His classroom is a visual smorgasbord of art projects that excite and engage his students.”

Scott Stone, Creative Arts Charter, music: “THE best music teacher in the WORLD!”

Jake Stookey, James Lick: “Puts amazing energy and time into bringing the community together around arts and theatrical productions.”

Mr. Storbeck, James Lick, rock ’n’ roll (Blue Bear School of Music): “Gets the kids playing the classic rock numbers and at the same time teaches them about the political power of music.

Cathy Sullivan, Grattan Elementary, kindergarten: “Loving and warm and recognizes the unique gifts of each child.”

Maggie Sullivan, Phillip and Sala Burton High School, math: “She makes the subject enjoyable and holds all of her students to the highest standards.”

Lisa Tsukamoto, Rosa Parks Japanese Bilingual-Bicultural Program, kindergarten: “She is warm, her classes are structured, but also fun and full of joy.”

Willem Vroegh, Principal, George Peabody Elementary: Began his career as part of the esteemed Teach for America program … a motivational leader who understands the needs of the community. 

Ellen Weinstein, Clarendon Second Community, art

Mrs. Wong, Cabrillo Elementary (formerly), 2nd grade
 
Rodney Woo, McKinley: “One of the most incredible teachers around, truly a gem and a born teacher.”

Heather Woodward, SOTA, Creative Writing department head: “She is simply amazing!”

Ivy Young, Creative Arts Charter, 2nd grade