Renton Rotary selects Teachers of the Month for April

Silvia Flores, John Hoag and Kristen Murphy were selected as teachers of the month.

From Renton Rotary

As part of their commitment to education, and to celebrate teachers in the Renton School District, each month members of Rotary Club of Renton selects a few teachers as Teacher of the Month.

As part of the recognition, teachers attend Rotary’s Teacher of the Month recognition luncheon held at the Maplewood Golf Course. Each teacher is introduced, makes a brief comment about the school and classroom, and receives $250 to be used for classroom supplies or instructional materials.

April Teachers of the Month are:

Silvia Flores

Integrated kindergarten teacher at Sierra Heights

Silvia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Texas, in Austin. Before becoming a teacher in Renton, Silvia worked as a paraeducator at an inclusive preschool for six years, where she also ran the inclusive summer program for school age children. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking and traveling. Silvia has been teaching in Renton for three years.

John Hoag

Resource math teacher at McKnight Middle School

John attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology. Then he continued his education at Texas State University to earn a Masters of Education in Special Education. Before becoming a classroom teacher, John was a guest teacher in the Austin Independent School District and he volunteered as a bicycle mechanics instructor/shop coordinator at Austin’s Yellow Bike Project in Texas. After school, he enjoys reading, cycling and co-sponsoring the McKnight-Risdon Bike Club. This year is John’s third year teaching in the Renton School District.

Kristen Murphy

Fifth grade teacher at Kennydale Elementary School

Kristen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Western Washington University. She also earned a Master’s in Teaching from City University in Tacoma. Kristen began her teaching experience in the Kent School District where she taught at multiple grade levels including a Highly Capable classroom. Outside of school, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and participating in book studies as well as a school volleyball team. Kristen has been teaching in Renton for two years.