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Jennifer McSparran: District Teacher of the Year

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Ramona Unified School District has selected Jennifer McSparran, a special education teacher at

Mt. Woodson Elementary School, as Teacher of the Year.

McSparran has been teaching in the Ramona school district for 11 years and was named the RUSD Reading Teacher of the Year in 2009. She was also recognized as a California Distinguished School Primary Writer in 2010.

RUSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Graeff, who presented her with the award on April 10, said McSparran is not only recognized as an outstanding teacher but also as a leader as she leads workshops for teachers in the entire district.

“Mrs. McSparran’s influence in the education of Mt. Woodson students reaches well beyond our special education students,” stated Mt. Woodson Elementary School Principal Theresa Grace. “She has been instrumental in the development of our highly effective Response to Intervention Program, Student Assistance Team process and our current Turn Around Schools initiative. Colleagues seek her out for advice and assistance in supporting struggling or challenging students in their classes and she is always willing to help colleagues and students in need.”

Eileen Highley, RUSD director of pupil services, praised McSparran’s work in the classroom.

“She participates daily in a collaborative teaching environment that provides the maximum amount of interaction for students with disabilities with students in the general education environment,” said Highley. “She treats every child with the dignity and respect they deserve all the while setting high achievable standards and expectations.”

McSparran holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and special education from Rhode Island College, and received a Master of Arts in Education, Level II Special Education, from Cal State University San Marcos in 2007. The teacher also studied character education at Chapman University.

She is currently developing school-wide staff training in Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills NEXT, and as a Response to Intervention leader is providing ongoing school-wide and individual training.

“A successful classroom is one where all students are motivated and able to learn, regardless of social-economic status, ethnicity or disability,” McSparran stated in her “philosophy of teaching” that she submitted to the school distrct. “It is my hope that I can instill my enthusiasm for learning in every student, so that they too, become lifelong learners.”

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