Teachers of the Month for January

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.

January Teachers of the Month are:

Casey Pearson

Environmental Science Teacher at Hazen High School

Casey began his college experience at Central Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He is currently attending Western Governors University to earn a Masters in Learning and Technology.

Before becoming a teacher, Casey first held a career as a conservation biologist where he worked for the Department of Ecology on a variety of projects. He also landed in a chemistry lab where he worked as a chemical analyst testing for environmental hazards. Casey’s newest role is the addition of becoming a new father.

This is Casey’s eighth year working for the Renton School District.

Natalie Schlappi

Integrated Kindergarten Teacher at Honey Dew Elementary School

Natalie attended the University of Portland where she earned a degree in elementary education with an endorsement in special education. She is continuing her education at Western Governors University to receive a masters in mathematics education (K-6).

She has taught both integrated kindergarten and general education kindergarten in Renton School District for seven years.

Oliver Taylor

Fourth Grade Teacher at Talbot Hill Elementary School

Oliver attended Eastern Washington University where she earned a bachelors degree in children’s studies. Then she attended Western Governors University where she earned a master’s degree in teaching-elementary education.

Before teaching for Renton Schools, Oliver taught preschool for 12 years. In her spare time, she spends time with her kids and enjoys being outdoors, planning adventures, reading and learning Spanish.

She has been an elementary teacher in Renton for four years.