Comments from: Kevinia Frazer, Parent

“Mr. Wilder builds positive connections with both students and parents. He motivates, he builds self esteem. In our families case, his encouragement of our child has carried his motivation into 9th grade this year. He is exactly everything that encompasses the class to home connection. His impact on middle school students, are carried over into their transition into high school. He deserves the recognition and in addition to that, he holds this families gratitude always. Thank you Kodjo- Your connection with our child, and all the children in your presence are truly blessed to have you on their journey through their Bethel Education!”

Comments from: Richie Gristak, Bethel Employee

“His thoughtful, analytical, and at-turns-obsessive nature make him a valuable part of the team.”

Comments from: Sarah Appelbaum, Bethel Employee

“Bridget goes above and beyond every day for students and families, and is a warm, compassionate presence for Fairfield kiddos, in their hardest moments and during their wins. She remains centered in what really matters, and brings so much heart and care to her work. She was extremely supportive when I was a new staff member and still learning the ropes, and I still reach out from time to time to get her perspective. She's made such a difference for Bethel students year after year, with an abundance of skill, dedication, and empathy. (She's also got a hilarious sense of humor!)”

Comments from: Wayne Reposa, Bethel Employee

“Mrs. McKinnis is the hallmark of consistency and excellence! Having had the privilege to have worked with Hafeeza at two schools, I am so impressed with her wonderfully consistent, compassion, care, and the quality of education she provides, no matter where she works and what she is asked to do. A true joy to work with this truly professional educator!”

Comments from: Kennedy Guilliot Gorder and Tero Rentfro, Bethel Employees

“Amelia has an undying devotion to our kids. She takes everything upon herself and will never let a child not be taken care of. She is stern, but loves hard. She would give the world to our kids in class.”

“Goes above and beyond to make sure each student gets the love and attention they need!“

Comments from: Laura Zimmerman, Bethel Employee

“It is difficult to put into words how dedicated, knowledgeable, and helpful Meegan is. When she walks into the building a weight is lifted off of my shoulders and I know that myself, my EAs, and my students have a capable advocate. She is the epitome of what an educator should be and I call myself lucky to have worked closely with her these last few years. There is no one better suited to her role and I learn something new every time I see her. I wish that I could properly express the gratitude I feel for her support, so this will have to do for now.”

Comments from: Chris Knowles, PhD, University of Oregon

“I had a wonderful visit at Malabon this afternoon and was genuinely impressed by the thoughtfulness and hard work put in by this team to support the Bethel mission of inclusive classrooms. It was a true joy to see and hear about how students are thriving based on the changes Sarah and Laura have put into place with support from Meegan. The three of you have done remarkable work to make your classrooms a positive, joyful, and inclusive learning space. What a gift! ❤️”

Comments from: Laura Zimmerman, Bethel Employee

“Sarah is an unending source of joy and kindness even on the hardest days. She forms meaningful connections with everyone she meets, whether it is a student, parent or colleague. Every room is better with her in it, which makes Malabon a pretty amazing place to be.”

Comments from: Lisa Chocktoot, Parent

“The simple answer is my child is thriving because of this teacher. The longer story is the transformation my student has made having a teacher who gives her a voice and celebrates her. It has built a confidence and happiness in my daughter I wasn’t sure we were going to ever see. 
Usually at this point in the year we have had multiple meetings and strategies on how to get through the year. This year our communication has been celebratory. I wish there was a bigger exclamation point that I could make about the value of a great teacher. Andrea is that exclamation point.”

Comments from: Kay Tamalonis, Bethel Employee

“Jayna has taken on the role of librarian this year. She has done an amazing job with all the “extra” jobs that go with that role like DIBELS and coordinating FLEX schedules. She has done this with a smile on her face and a warm and welcoming attitude towards students and staff alike. “

Comments from: Parent/Caregiver Survey and Blair Hickok

“Laurie Van O. She has made my sons first year of elementary school one to remember. She is such a kind, nurturing soul and our family will be grateful for her forever!”

“Mrs. VanO - she is so patient, thoughtful, and sincere. She always took the time to give me a quick recap of my child's day and checked in about how things were going at home.”

“Laurie is such a treasure to students and family members. Her approach to teaching and motivating her students is remarkable, teaching kids to have a strong sense of self worth. With it comes to communicating with family members, she's always been respectful, kind and has thoughtful things to say about each and every child. It's blatantly apparent she cares a great deal about the work she does, and the students she has not only in her classroom, but in the entire school. Laurie should be recognized because she's a always cheering on everyone, we should cheer her on!“

Comments from: Parent/Caregiver Survey and Marissa Swartout  

“Ms. Randall has been amazing with my child. He has improved so much this year and is well ahead of grade level. She is able to keep him challenged with harder stuff so he doesn't get bored.”

“Mrs. Randall was my son's teacher for 1st and 2nd grade. She was the first connection we made in the new school/district after moving to Eugene. My son has ADHD and Autism, neither of which were formally diagnosed at the time. We were also going through a great deal of stress in our lives during that period. Mrs. Randall walked me through the 504/IEP/TAG plan process. She took extra time to meet with me after a parent/teacher conference when I could use more reassurance and guidance on ways to better support my kids, and she always took the time to get to know and celebrate all 3 of my kids' accomplishments, despite only one of them having her for a teacher. I will be forever grateful for the help and compassion that we received from Mrs. Randall. “

Comments from Abi Krouze 
 

She’s adapting well with a kinder and first grade class. She communicates effectively:)

Comments from Jacob Gates

Mrs. Ferry is a kind, compassionate and thoughtful teacher. She is a bright light to those around her and an example of a resilient and hard working educator. Thank you Mrs. Ferry for caring for kids and leading by example. You are loved. Miss you so much!   

Comments from: Helena Somnitz

Everyday Kim goes above and beyond as Irving's Title Reading teacher! She is kind, caring, and compassionate towards all students and staff. She also did a fabulous job at Irving's Title Reading event. It was an evening focused on fostering the love the reading for the Irving community. Thank for all of your hard work and dedication!

Comments from: Parent/Caregiver Survey and Debbie Bowman

“Mrs. Harris is the most caring, hard-working, dedicated, responsive teacher I have ever met. Even though she is overwhelmed with 28 kindergarteners in her class, she goes above and beyond to make their experiences memorable. My son adores her and has learned far more than math writing and reading. She teaches kindness, respect, honesty and life skills he will need for the rest of his life.”

“She is always willing to help any student if they are having a hard time or just need their shoes tied even when is not one of her students. I love to see a teacher that loves her job and cares for all of the children it makes my heart happy.”

Comments from: Parent/Caregiver Survey and  Paulina Rios

“I have raised 4 kids, that have all attended Fairfield Elementary, we all LOVE Jenny! She is welcoming, understanding, and just an over all wonderful human being. She makes coming to school fun for the kids and helps them navigate their school year with ease and open communication. Thank you!!!”

“Principal Sink is involved in the well-being of her students and motivates them to be their best selves.”

“Mrs. Sink is truly, one of a kind, I don’t know how Bethel got so lucky to have her as an administrator. She knows the students names, she is involved, she’s helpful, she is approachable, she is honest, and you will never find her telling you one thing to your face, and doing something else behind your back.”

“Miss Sink always has a smile on and know how to talk to families and students on their level and have a way of making them feel welcomed at the school.”

“The principal does a good job recognizing the achievements of my child and of all students in general.”

“Ms. Sink has been such a great principal while both my son and daughter have been to school at Fairfield and I’m sad to be switching schools next year due to moving. We’ll miss you Ms. Sink!”

“Mrs. Sink has always been kind and helpful answers questions promptly and I feel comfortable with her.”

“Mrs. Sink - she is an excellent principal. She is so engaged with the kids. She has a super positive demeanor and is very fair with expectations and accountability. She is approachable and easy to talk to; she is always willing to sit down and have a conversation about concerns, without passing judgment.”

Comments from: Carol Boone, Carolyn Lorenzo, and Parent/Caregiver Survey

“Mr. Reetz is very talented. He directs all the Shasta bands, including the award winning jazz band. He really cares about the kids. He makes every band he leads sound great, even the beginning band which is mostly made up of kids who just picked up an instrument for the first time three months before the first concert. He can also play all of the instruments in the band himself.”

“Mr. Reetz has really helped my child have better self esteem. He’s had a couple rough years until coming to Shasta. He hate missing school because he loves Mr. Reetz band classes. He’s truly one of a kind. Goes above and beyond for his students.”

“Thank you to Mr. Reetz for his over the top dedication and inspiration to his students. We are so grateful to him and the way he inspires and teaches our student.”

Comments from: Parent/Caregiver Survey 

“Alex Walker is by far the best that we have came across. They truly care about the students education and well being. They are a huge asset!”

“Mr. Walker has gone above and beyond. From showing up to his games on Saturdays, to taking him to help at high school track meets.”

Comments from: Trinity Mayr, Student

“This is probably one of the coolest teachers I’ve seen at Willamette. Funny, to the point, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Overall, just a great guy who should be appreciated for doing what he does best.”

Comments from: Debbie Cowan, Bethel Employee

“April is a huge asset to my bus, she is always here and her relationship with the kids is such a joy to Witness, She is kind, fair and super fun! She reads to the littles she helps the middle schoolers with study their test. She does so much I really do enjoy her energy.”

Comments from: Debbie Cowan, Bethel Employee

“Allie is one of the hardest workers we have at transportation l! She always goes above and beyond! Nothing better than as a driver to come to your bus and the back window and bus is clean!!! So appreciate her hard work and love of her job!!!”

Comments from: Debbie Cowan, Bethel Employee

“She is the heart of Transportation she knows all your kids by either name or address. She blows me away daily with her willingness to help and her supportive attitude is always on point! Us drivers could not have a better person in our corner.”

Comments from: Karen Justesen, Bethel Employee

“ Bonnie is the best behavior specialist I have ever worked with and every staff member at Fairfield will agree to the same. She goes above and beyond every single day for our kids and has this magical way of figuring out problems and making true individualized connections with our kids that is astonishing! What Anita Archer has done for literacy, Bonnie has done for behavior management, yes I said that, and she deserves to be recognized for it.”

Comments from: Kirsten Lane, Parent

“ Mrs. Witty always goes above and beyond for students, ensuring that they have the resources to be able to develop into wonderful men and women! God bless you Mrs. Witty!”

Comments from: Tracy Baker, Bethel Employee

“ Bethel is so fortunate to have Yadira. Not only is she a wonderful advocate for our families, she is also a great support to staff. I know Yadira is always willing to jump in and help when I need assistance. Thank you Yadira!”

Comments from: Krista Jensen, Parent

“ She goes above and beyond for every child she comes in contact with.. she is amazing in soo many ways.. she always makes her student feel heard.”

Comments from: Brian Hynd, Parent

“ I have seen Mr. Bou attend many school events where he has been a kind and caring teacher, that really connects with the children under his care. He is also very patient with the parents, such as at a recent Danebo FSO meeting, where he was very patiently translating for the parents that did not speak Spanish. He is great at making sure all parents and kids feel heard and respected.

Comments from: Sojin Oh, Bethel Employee

“Ann is unwavering in her dedication to student safety and wellness. Ann also has a tireless work ethic. She has made going above and beyond the rule, rather than the exception. I would not be able to work in my position and Bethel Health Services would not function so well without her brilliant brain. She is absolutely the best and I could not imagine Bethel without her.”

Comments from: Maren Widmer, Student 

“Mr. Ward is one of the kindest teachers at Willamette, he is very supportive and takes the time to understand and connect with each of his students, which makes him stand out at our school.”

Comments from: Nicole Dougherty, Parent

“She goes above and beyond in recognizing kids needs and has the kindest heart to support them in the ways they need!”

Comments from: Brian Hynd, Parent

“Keeping an elementary school clean and organized is a challenging task, and I've seen firsthand the dedication that Aimee Zetamora puts into her work. Just keeping the cafeteria clean between classes is an amazing job! Thank you!”

Comments from: Carol Boone, Parent

“Will goes above and beyond for students. Always available for any questions. Thank you Will for helping my family. You’re very appreciated.”

Comments from: Carol Boone, Parent

“Carmen exemplifies the meaning of caring for everyone she comes in contact with. Her smile just radiates. I have at least 7 more years to be at Irving and I really hope she’s there for all of it. She makes Irving the best school in Bethel! I so appreciate you Carmen. My family loves you❤️”

Comments from: Brian Hynd, Parent

“Time and time again, I have seen Valeria work hard to make sure that kids at Danebo are having their best day. She even consistently comes to support the school at the FSO Meetings!”

Comments from: Brian Hynd, Parent

“As the person dealing with all the issues that can come through the front office doors, I've seen her approach parents and students with kindness and understanding. Thank you!”

Comments from: Lezlee Craven, Bethel Employee

“Torey is an amazing educator who goes above and beyond for students. Her involvement with NASU as a leader and advocate for our students is so wonderful to see. We love Torey!”

Comments from: Stephanie Wiley, Parent

“Kari is the kind of person who lights up every room she enters. Even before I knew her personally, she stood out—always greeting others with a warm, genuine smile. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement shine through in every interaction with the children she supports. She has made a meaningful impact on my own daughter, who absolutely adores Ms. Kari. It’s common to see students run to her for a hug, a moment that speaks volumes about the trust and connection she builds. Kari pours her heart and passion into everything she does, and it is clear her influence reaches far beyond the students she works with directly. Even in passing, her positivity makes a difference.

Kari embodies the spirit of our community, and she truly deserves to be recognized with the Bethel Spirit Award.”

Comments from: Stephanie Wiley, Parent

“Ms. Railey has been such a gift to our family this year. Before my daughter even started school, I kept hearing wonderful things about her—and she has lived up to every word. Her professionalism, consistency, and calm leadership have made it incredibly easy to trust her as a teacher, especially during a big transition to a new school.

What stands out most is the joy she brings to her classroom. I see students—including my own—eager to come to school each morning, excited about what they’re learning. The growth I’ve seen in my daughter is clear proof that Ms. Railey approaches her work with both seriousness and passion.

She creates a classroom where kids feel supported, challenged, and genuinely loved. Ms. Railey embodies what great teaching should look like, and she is truly deserving of the Bethel Spirit Award.”

Comments from: Stephanie Wiley, Parent

“Gail Taylor is a daily bright spot in the classroom. She greets every child by name, always with a warm smile, making each student feel welcomed and valued the moment they walk in. Her genuine care for the children is evident in the way she interacts with them—patient, encouraging, and truly invested in their well-being.

Gail plays an essential role in creating a supportive and joyful classroom environment. Her presence helps students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. She is an incredible asset to the school community and is truly deserving of recognition for the heart she brings to her work.”

Comments from: Chris Knowles, PhD, University of Oregon

“I had a wonderful visit at Malabon this afternoon and was genuinely impressed by the thoughtfulness and hard work put in by this team to support the Bethel mission of inclusive classrooms. It was a true joy to see and hear about how students are thriving based on the changes Sarah and Laura have put into place with support from Meegan. The three of you have done remarkable work to make your classrooms a positive, joyful, and inclusive learning space. What a gift! ❤️”

Comments from: Chris Knowles, PhD, University of Oregon

“I had a wonderful visit at Malabon this afternoon and was genuinely impressed by the thoughtfulness and hard work put in by this team to support the Bethel mission of inclusive classrooms. It was a true joy to see and hear about how students are thriving based on the changes Sarah and Laura have put into place with support from Meegan. The three of you have done remarkable work to make your classrooms a positive, joyful, and inclusive learning space. What a gift! ❤️”

Comments from: Debbie Cowan, Bethel Employee

“She is the biggest asset to me! She has always been supportive to me and her knowledge is priceless to me! Thanks for being my inspiration to do better!!!”