Renton Rotary selects January Teachers of the Month

Published 3:55 pm Friday, January 24, 2014

Renton Rotary’s Teachers of the Month for January:

Kate Ingalls is a first and second grade teacher at Hazelwood Elementary School. Ingalls attended the University of Washington, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature. She then attended City University to earn a master’s in educational technology. Before teaching in Renton, Ingalls taught in the Seattle Public School District for eight years and she also spent time as a stay-at-home mom. This is her ninth year teaching in Renton.

Buffee Diezman is a third grade Discovery teacher at Talbot Hill Elementary School. Diezman attended Washington State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. She continued her education at City University, where she earned a master’s in reading and literacy education. Diezman has been teaching in Renton for 13 years.

Beth Hansen is a language arts teacher at McKnight Middle School. Hansen attended Gonzaga University, in Spokane, where she majored in English and minored in history. She then continued her education at the University of Memphis to earn a master’s degree in teaching. She spent two years as a teacher in the Memphis city schools in Tennessee, before joining the Renton team. This is Hansen’s sixth year working in the Renton School District.

As part of Renton Rotary’s recognition, teachers attend a recognition luncheon held at the Maplewood Golf Course. Each teacher is introduced, makes a brief comment about their school and classroom, and receives $200 to be used for classroom supplies, or instructional materials.