The following employees were selected to receive the February Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the February 2025 school board meeting.
Employees are recognized between October and June of each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
In addition to awardees chosen by the peer nomination and Excellence Awards committee voting process, the Board of Directors may recognize recipients who have been nominated by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to VPS students and their families.
Dean Jackson
Bus Driver, Transportation
Dean Jackson is nominated for an Employee Excellence Award for his outstanding dedication and exemplary service as one of our school bus drivers. His commitment to student well-being is consistently evident, but a recent incident highlighted his exceptional character. While driving a bus with special needs students on board, Dean encountered a student who had difficulty staying seated. His nominator shares, “Instead of reacting with frustration or haste, Dean remained calm and patient. I was able to observe firsthand the gentle and caring way he addressed the situation, ensuring the child felt heard and respected.” Dean’s calm and professional handling of this situation exemplifies his dedication to student safety and sets an example for how staff should interact with students, especially during difficult moments. Thank you, Dean.
Bethany Rivard
English Teacher, Fort Vancouver High School
Bethany Rivard, an English teacher and MEChA Advisor at Fort Vancouver High School, is affectionately known by her colleagues and students as a “teaching wizard,” “school mom,” and “The Best Teacher I Know.” These titles speak volumes about her dedication and the positive impact she has on her students and the Fort Vancouver community. Her commitment to mentorship has created lasting change, inspiring future educators and renewing a passion for teaching in her colleagues. In her classroom, Bethany cultivates a safe and joyful learning environment where high-level academics meet unwavering patience and genuine connection. One nominator shares, “Bethany will take students each September and when June rolls around, every student in her class is a much better writer, reader, thinker, person, and each of them has a much better idea about just who they are, how they can make a difference, and where they can fit in the world.” Thank you, Bethany.
Beth Shinners
3rd Grade Teacher, Hazel Dell Elementary
Beth Shinners, a third-grade teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary, has a remarkable impact on her students and their families. She cultivates a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Beth collaborates closely with parents, particularly those whose children need extra support, demonstrating both empathy and a grasp of the importance of a strong home-school partnership. One parent shares that Beth “gets kids,” possessing a special knack for understanding their individual personalities and learning styles. This nominator also shares that her daughter feels safe, valued, and inspired in her classroom, even declaring her “the best teacher she has ever had.” Beth’s exceptional ability to connect with her students, coupled with her passion for teaching and dedication to their success, makes her a truly exceptional educator and a treasured member of the Hazel Dell community. Thank you, Beth.
Vera Zelyak
Paraeducator, Truman Elementary
Vera Zelyak, a paraeducator, is an invaluable member of the Truman Elementary family, consistently going above and beyond to support students, families, and staff. Fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, Vera bridges communication gaps, ensuring that families feel welcomed, understood, and supported. Nominators praise her “superhuman” work ethic and highlight her vital role in connecting with and supporting the school’s multilingual community. In her role as a paraeducator, Vera provides encouragement, structure, and a safe environment for all students, from greeting them in the morning to working in small groups and keeping them safe on the playground. One colleague sums it up best: “I cannot imagine our lives without Vera.” Thank you, Vera.