PUSD middle school teachers and others end their careers
Teachers who have been with the district at least 25 years were asked to reflect on their careers. Two shared their reflections. All others who notified the district by May 23 are also being recognized.
Retiring elementary teachers will be recognized in a future article. High school teachers were featured on June 15. Click here for the article.
♦ Dennis Moore has been with the district for 32 years, the last 15 at Black Mountain Middle School where he taught humanities and physical education. He previously taught at Poway High (1985-2002).
At Poway he was also the varsity boys and girls swimming coach (1985-93) when the teams won five CIF titles. He also coached the freshmen boys and girls junior varsity water polo teams plus freshmen girls volleyball and junior varsity swimming.
His special awards include being national board certified for social sciences and being named the 1992 California State Boys Swimming Coach of the Year.
Moore earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies from Chico State University, his teaching credential from San Jose State University and his master’s in educational technology from National University.
When asked why he chose a teaching career, Moore said, “I have always enjoyed learning and the process of lesson planning/revising to help students learn. I definitely have a growth mindset. I also enjoy creating positive relationships with students, parents and staff.”
He added, “I still enjoy learning from my peers and students. In the classroom, every day with students is different and exciting.”
Moore said the biggest changes in the profession have been due to technology. “Positive relationships and preparation are the keys,” he added.
While Moore said he has “so many” special memories, he said, “The best is seeing students discover and enjoy learning. It is also gratifying to see students grow and change. At BMMS, I was able to have some students in both seventh and eighth grade years.”
Regarding his retirement plans, Moore said he and wife, Vicki, are moving to Boise, Idaho, to be closer to their son, Kyle; daughter, Christina; son-in-law, Lane; grandson, Spencer; and will be welcoming another grandchild in July. “You will find me enjoying the outdoors, especially fly fishing,” he added.
♦ Linda Ellett has been with the district for 29 years, most recently as a teacher on special assignment/program coordinator in the district’s Student Support Services department for the past nine years. There she coordinates the After School Education and Safety program at five middle schools and Valley Elementary, plus the Character Counts! program for kindergarten through 12th grade.
She previously taught at Black Mountain Middle School (1987-2000) and was on the founding faculty of Rancho Bernardo High School, where she was twice assigned (1990-2000 and 2003-07). She has also been the Resource Department’s (special education) co-chair, a mentor teacher for six years, Key Club co-chair, a teacher consultant in the Poway Professional Assistance Program to support first- and second-year teachers, president of San Diego State University’s Beta Beta chapter of Pi Lambda Theta, an education honor society. She was also its Region V co-president.
Ellett said she developed the district’s Character and Ethics Film Festival, which for the past nine years has recognized student-created videos. Ellett said she is “most proud” of her research project published in the “Journal of Learning Disabilities.” She has also served on district committees for language arts.
As for her special awards, they include a certificate of honor from Rancho Bernardo High School, awards of excellence from Pi Lambda Theta and being selected for Who’s Who in American Education.
Ellett earned her bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics from the
When asked why she chose a teaching career, Ellett said, “I’m a life-long learner and what better place to work than in a school? I believe in the human potential and am rewarded to see others learn and experience success.”
She said the profession exceeded her expectations since “learning is ongoing and the ‘ah-ha’ moments that are expressed in a smile or twinkle in the eye are very heart-warming and gratifying. I’ve greatly appreciated the professional opportunities within PUSD, and the respectful, talented people with whom I (got) to work.”
Ellett said technological changes have created the greatest impact in teaching and learning. “Societal changes are reflected in school, and teachers adapt to meet student’ and families’ needs.”
She added that her best memories are when students return after graduation to say “hi” and share what they are doing. “These are usually surprise visits, which add to the excitement,” she said.
Regarding her retirement plans, Ellett said, “I look forward to having time for hobbies that have been put on hold for awhile. Weaving is top on my hobby list, as I have a new floor loom waiting for its first project. Other hobbies include agility with my Wheaten terrier, yoga (and) working out. I hope to supervise student teachers and volunteer as well.”
Also retiring are:
♦ Cathy Carr has taught in the district for 38 years, most recently sixth grade humanities at Bernardo Heights Middle School.
♦ Eric Lehew has been with the district for 36 years, most recently as executive director of the district’s Learning Support Services department.
♦ Jana Schwerdtfeger has been with the district for 34 years, most recently in special education working with students who are visually impaired.
♦ Angeline Georggin has taught in the district for 31 years, most recently sixth grade humanities at Bernardo Heights Middle School.
♦ Mary Jo Spehar has taught in the district for 29 years, most recently sixth grade humanities at Bernardo Heights Middle School.
♦ Thomas Ekblad has taught in the district for 28 years, most recently sixth grade at Twin Peaks Middle School.
♦ Susan Bledsoe has taught in the district for 26 years, most recently science at Black Mountain Middle School.
♦ Noreen Walton has been with the district for 17 years, most recently as a director in the district’s Learning Support Services department.
♦ Colleen Van Nordheim has been with the district for 15 years, most recently as a resource specialist at Mesa Verde Middle School.
♦ Bruce May has been with the district for 11 years, most recently assigned to its Career Technical and Adult Education program.
Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
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