Pioneer's Classroom Close-ups
This page is dedicated to Pioneer Teachers that were featured on Walla Walla School District's "Classroom Close-Ups" You will be able to view the photo-filled newsletters and 60 second radio spots that were played on numerous stations in our area.
View Our staff Classroom close-ups:
Excerpt from Newsletter
"I love being a tool to help students learn. It is inspiring when my students discover something by using their reasoning skills. This tells me we will have great people leading our communities and country."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"The way we attack problems in science is often the way we attack problems in life.
Science is all around us. Science is in the way we develop and solve problems.
Science is in our natural world so having a strong background in science helps
students learn about the environment around them."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"We find the students make tremendous gains in this class. Our numbers are low so we can give them the support they need to improve their skills"
Excerpt from Newsletter
"Physical Education class allows the students to release some of their stored up energy. Classroom teachers will tell you it helps their students perform better in school"
"It was exciting to hear Dr. John Medina talk about the importance of physical education and its connection to brain development."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"I believe in developing positive relationships with my students. I was bullied in middle school so I share my experiences with them. I know my teachers had a positive impact on my school years and I want them to feel comfortable coming to me if they need someone to talk to."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"I try to find books I would have liked as a middle school student. Many of the novels my students are reading have teenagers as the main characters. They get into a lot of exciting adventures. It’s important for the students to be able to relate to the characters in the stories."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"The first thing you need to do is let them know you care and develop trust. I know about their families, their interests and hopes and dreams. Once they know I am a safe person who just wants to help them learn, the barriers to their learning start to come down and we make progress."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"We have kids covering everything from education to the war in Iraq to animal abuse issues to deforestation. I’m very impressed with the diverse group of documentaries the students are working on."
Excerpt from Newsletter
“This job is rewarding because I help the students become more confident in their reading and math and this confidence carries over to everything they do in school. I love seeing the students when the light clicks on for the first-time and they 'get it."
Excerpt from Newsletter
“Innovative, interesting, alive, fun, engaging . . .well, you get the idea. Students in Chris Plucker’s classroom want to be there and they are learning. His 49er News has a healthy readership and has helped land him a place on the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin advisory board.”
Excerpt from Newsletter
“Kim is an outstanding young teacher. She is creative and dedicated and a valuable member of our teaching staff. She consistently works with her colleagues to provide a successful leaning experience for all students. She builds strong rapport with her students and the athletes with whom she works.”
Excerpt from Newsletter
"One parent recently commented that her family had to visit a Greek and Roman exhibit in Seattle because Mr. Venneri mentioned how great it was! Students in Doug’s class are encouraged to do their best and find that Mr. Venneri is their biggest advocate.”
Excerpt from Newsletter
“Charlene is warm, kind-hearted and spunky. She is a true kid magnet. Charlene is an amazing teacher, who consistently uses best practice interventions to ensure
success for all students."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"Jim Eggart is a dedicated teacher and coach. He supports the youth in our community both within and outside the school day. He is enthusiastic about kids and learning and works hard to connect all kids to successful school experiences ”
Excerpt from Newsletter
“Brad Ludwig is one of those teachers students gravitate toward. He has a great rapport with students and works to make lessons relevant for our 8th graders. He’s an important part of our middle school team."
Excerpt from Newsletter
"John Carter is an amazing educator. He is able to help some of our most challenging students appreciate the value of education and transition back to a regular classroom setting."
Excerpt from Newsletter
“Kim makes science engaging for every student. Her classroom is exciting, challenging, yet warm and welcoming. She works with all students to get them from where they are to where they need to be.”
Radio spots and newletters created by Mark Higgins
This weekly series takes you back to school by highlighting classroom work throughout the district. A fun, photo-filled newsletter and exciting radio spot featuring the teacher and classroom activities are included in this series.
Learn what subjects are being studied and some of the learning objectives. You will also hear about the strategies being used to enhance achievement and how technology is linked to classroom lessons.
