James Greenwald, a transitional kindergarten and kindergarten teacher at West Side School, was named the April Sonoma County Teacher of the Month during a school-wide assembly held at the campus Friday, April 14.
Greenwald, an experienced educator whose tenure at West Side spans nearly 30 years, was selected as the winner after receiving several nominations from parents with students in his classroom.
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) partners with Hot 101.7, and Froggy 92.9 — where nominations are solicited via on-air ads — as well as Community First Credit Union, to deliver the Teacher of the Month program.
“Mr. Greenwald, you are loved by our school community, and we thank you for everything you do every day not just for your students, but for all of our students,” West Side Principal and Superintendent Rima Meechan said during the assembly.
Greenwald was praised for his calm demeanor in the classroom in the nominations he received for the award.
“Mr. Greenwald is the epitome of patience,” one nomination read. “He teaches a full class of kindergartners with enthusiasm and care. Somehow he is able to really listen to each child and speaks to them with so much respect. He’s known as Mr. Rogers at our school.”
His passion for teaching also shone through the comments included in the nominations.
“He provides guidance and stability for the students and he fully understands how to interact and teach younger children,” another nomination said of Greenwald. “He rarely misses a day and you can tell he truly loves what he does.”
Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County superintendent of schools, congratulated Greenwald for receiving the recognition, which highlights exceptional educators throughout Sonoma County.
“Mr. Greenwald’s vast experience in education has served him well and is a gift to West Side students,” Carter said. “The rapport he has built with his students, their families, and his campus community is something every educator should strive to achieve.”
Greenwald was awarded a plaque, flowers, and balloons, plus a $500 classroom supply gift card from Community First Credit Union during Friday’s assembly.
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? Nominations for the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month can be submitted via www.sonomacountyteacher.com, or via Froggy 92.9 or Hot 101.7
