SchoolsFirst

Last weekend, Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union celebrated the latest class of Indomitable Educators. Representing Western Placer Unified School District, this month’s honorees are Felly Gonzalez, Kristin Noriega, and Missy Everts.

Gonzalez, a Spanish teacher at Lincoln High School says that “Being honored as an Indomitable Educator reminds me of my purpose. After 18 years as an educator I continue to fight for my students to help them be their best every day and fulfill their overall potential.” She was nominated by Principal Jennifer Hladun, who writes, “Her dedicated service has transformed lives, built programs, and created educational opportunities that will benefit our community for generations.”

Kristin Noriega is a 4^th grade teacher at Foskett Ranch Elementary School and was recently named Western Placer Unified’s Elementary Teacher of the Year by her colleagues. “She goes above and beyond, supporting both students and colleagues. As a mentor, she helps fellow teachers grow professionally, sharing strategies and offering guidance to improve classroom practices. Her commitment to collaboration and professional growth makes Ms. Noriega a perfect candidate for this honor.”

As a School Clerk at Creekside Oaks Elementary School, Missy Everts has become an essential part of her school community, providing support to students, families and staff. “Missy embodies what it means to be a leader, making a lasting impact on students, families, and staff at our school,” said Principal Kimberley Morris. “She doesn’t just do her job – she cares deeply about the well-being of every student and family.”

Join us in thanking Felly, Kristin, and Missy for their commitment to our region’s students!   

In partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Republic FC is once again celebrating the region’s dedicated teachers and school employees through the Indomitable Educators program. The first honorees of the 2025 season were recognized at the Indomitable Club’s match over the weekend. Congratulations to Mary Park and Norma Vega!

Mary Park has been a medical pathway teacher at Pioneer High School for 18 years and was named the 2024 Yolo County Teacher of the Year. “Mary goes above and beyond every single day. She attends nearly all sporting events to train her students in Sports Training. She works tirelessly with her students to bring relevant, practical, useful skills they can use on the job,” said Pioneer High School Principal Sandi Reese. “Her dedication and time commitment are beyond anything I’ve ever seen in a teacher.”

“I learned a long time ago that consistency is key to establishing trust and when students know they can count on you to be there, learning is a comfortable consequence,” said Park. “Being an Indomitable Educator means my unwavering dedication, resilience and passion for teaching is what I bring to my classroom every day. It is a great honor to be described as such!”

Norma Vega is a payroll and benefits technician for Woodland Joint Unified School District and was recently honored as the 2024 WJUSD and Yolo County Classified Employee of the Year.

“Norma has shown excellence in her role,” said Vega’s supervisor Amy Brown. “She received minimal training when she started, but she is resourceful, determined, and eager to learn and teach herself all aspects of her position.”

In her position, Vega assists over 1,500 district employees with their health insurance benefits, including education and enrollment, even into retirement. “Norma Vega has helped me navigate health insurance professionally, and with kindness, and has delivered this information with grace,” said one retiree. “She has also helped me move into the Medicare phase with important information. I am very grateful for her expertise and support.”

Each month this year, Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union have come together to celebrate the region’s dedicated and passionate teachers and school employees.

On Saturday’s regular season finale, a special group of individuals were recognized as the final Indomitable Educators of the 2024 season – the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) 2025 Teachers of the Year and the 2024 Classified Employees of the Year. Since 1988, SCOE has celebrated its teachers and employees, and the important work they do to create educational environments throughout California.

Meet this year’s honorees

• Marc Vankeuren – high school Physics, Grant Union High School (Twin Rivers Unified School District) **Sacramento County Teacher of the Year **
• Joshua Crotts – Instructional Materials Coordinator, Twin Rivers Winona Center ** Sacramento County Classified Employee of the Year **
• Lori Osborne – 6th grade, Zehnder Ranch Elementary School (Elk Grove Unified School District)
• Carli Walden – 10th & 11th grade English, Galt High School (Galt Joint Union High School District)
• Sabrina Prociw – 1st grade, Two Rivers Elementary School (Natomas Unified School District)
• Lauren Tyner – 5th grade, Isleton Elementary School (River Delta Unified School District)
• Erinn Leone – 9th & 11th grade Social Sciences, Luther Burbank High School (Sacramento City Unified School District)
• Heather Morehouse Jack – Infant Development Program Deaf & Hard of Hearing (Sacramento County Office of Education)
• Svetlana Gerasenova – Elementary Paraeducator, Williamson Elementary (Folsom Cordova Unified School District)
• Robert Whitaker – Head Custodian, Vista Nueva Career & Technology High School (Twin Rivers Unified School District)

With the school year in full swing, Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union honored two more dedicated individuals over the weekend, recognizing Lindsay Tateishi and Lisa Dugan as this month’s Indomitable Educators.

Lindsay Tateishi is a dedicated history and English Language Development (ELD) at John Barrett Middle School in San Juan Unified School District. “She excels in fostering student engagement and enthusiasm,” said school principal Amy Alexander-Carter.

Earlier this year, Tatieshi planned and implemented Barrett’s Week of Welcome, a new program designed to build connections and get to know students during the first week of school, and it was a massive success. “Her role has been pivotal in transforming our school culture, creating an environment where students are more involved and active,” continued Alexander-Carter.

“I’m grateful that my efforts to make the start of the school year a positive one had such a beneficial impact on my students and colleagues,” said Tateishi. “And I’m thankful that the school staff supported the implementation of something new for our school community.”

As the Secretary of San Juan’s Homeschool and Independent Study Program, Lisa Dugan plays a crucial role in supporting students and families that have chosen a non-traditional education path.

“Lisa is extremely hard working and she has a flair for championing a teamwork ethic that encourages and creates a positive and collaborative environment,” said Principal Kirk Bebout. “Most importantly, she exudes compassion and understanding when working with our most marginalized families. Her tireless efforts, positive attitude, and attention to detail are the backbone of our team.”

“It is an honor to be recognized as an Indomitable Educator,” said Dugan. “I take pride in my work and am glad it has made a positive impact on those around me.”

Republic FC and SchoolsFirst are offering a free ticket to educators for the club’s October 9 match against Monterey Bay F.C. Tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/Teachers.

Each month for this 2024 season, Sac Republic FC has partnered with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to present the Indomitable Educators Award, recognizing the region’s outstanding teachers and school employees. Representing Breen Elementary School and the Rocklin Unified School District, this month’s Indomitable Educators are Rafael Ruiz and Becci Spainhour.  

Rafael Ruiz is from Rocklin’s Unified School District department of maintenance and operations. He was awarded the 2024 Placer County Classified School Employee of the Year in the Skilled Trade Services category. Ruiz ensures the safety of the students and staff and his knowledge and positive outlook continue to make an impact.  

“I am deeply appreciative to be recognized among my peers for the work that I do,” said Ruiz. “Rafael truly exemplifies service to the community. He is dedicated to assuring the safety and comfort of students and staff. He is calm in a crisis and clearly enjoys his day-to-day duties, working with a positive attitude and a smile.” said Ruiz’s supervisor. 

The administrative staff aren’t the only one’s making a difference, the second honoree, Becci Spainhour, is a fourth-grade teacher at Breen Elementary School. She earned the 2024 Placer County Elementary School Teacher of the Year award. Jennifer Palmer, the principal at Breen Elementary, describes Spainhour as hardworking, dedicated, and deserving of the honor of Teacher of the Year.  

“She has a work ethic that is unmatched. She is an innovative teacher who is constantly looking for ways to improve learning for her students. She makes sure that every minute of her students’ days is filled with meaningful work and activities that foster growth and perseverance,” stated Principal Palmer.  

Spainhour took a moment to share a kind message for her students. “One message I want my students to truly understand is: You matter. You are an integral part of our community, and you are deeply valued.” She continued, “Embrace the challenges you encounter, because overcoming them will build your strength and resilience. Your potential is limitless, and I am here to support you every step of the way.”

This 2024 season, Sac Republic FC has partnered with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to present the Indomitable Educators Award every month, recognizing the region’s outstanding teachers and school employees. Representing Zehnder Ranch Elementary School and Valley High School from the Elk Grove Unified School District, this month’s Indomitable Educators are Lori Osborne and Debra Caldwell.

Lori Osborne has been a 6th-grade teacher for 27 years and is currently at Zehnder Ranch Elementary School. She was awarded 2024 Teacher of the Year, by the Elk Grove Education Association as she is dedicated to challenging her students to think critically and self-reflect.

“It’s an honor to represent the Elk Grove Unified School District as the Teacher of the Year. To be recognized as an Indomitable Educator is beyond humbling,” said Osborne. “As I reflect on my years in the classroom, what motivates me and brings me the most joy is watching my students make connections to what they’re learning at school and their personal experiences.”

The second honoree, Debra Caldwell, is a Paraeducator at Valley High School. She is honored to have been recognized for doing what she loves most. “It shows me that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life and that means everything to me,” stated Caldwell.

While being honored, Caldwell shared a kind message for her students. “I want my students to know that they are loved and worthy. They have made an amazing difference in my life.”

Sac Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union will continue to present the Indomitable Educators Award every month, throughout the season recognizing the region’s teachers and school employees who continue to make a difference.

Last weekend, Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union honored the Indomitable Educators for the month of April. Representing the Sacramento City Unified School District, please join us in congratulating Nicole Quinn and Angelia Brye-Jones.

Ms. Quinn is a 6^th grade teacher at Washington Elementary School who is passionate about the holistic development of her students, fostering a wide range of social skills such as collaboration and communication, to prepare them for the future.

“Ms. Quinn writes her own script as an educator, and she teaches us to hope and to strive to create the kind of school we’re often conditioned to believe can’t exist,” said Washington Elementary Principal Dr. Gema Godina. “To be in her classroom is to leave the space feeling loved, uplifted, and prepared.”

“I am honored to be part of this amazing group of educators and I am so lucky to be surrounded by educators that have allowed me to become the teacher I am today,” said Quinn.

Mrs. Jones teaches 5^th grade at Parkway Elementary School in South Sacramento. She works tirelessly to ensure her students are given the tools and resources they need to soar not only as scholars, but as leaders in the community.

“Mrs. Jones’ passion is contagious and inspires students to engage with their lesson and learning,” said Parkway Elementary Principal Krystle Andrews in her nomination of Jones. “The positive relationship she builds with scholars is essential to creating a supportive and conducive learning environment.  Students feel respected, valued, and supported by Mrs. Jones which makes them more likely to remain motivated.”

Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union will continue to present the Indomitable Educators Award throughout the 2024 season, shining a light on the dedicated individuals making a difference in our region’s schools.