Five outstanding Renton teachers have been selected as winners of the 2009 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

Friends, family, students and members of the Renton community will honor these teachers at a special awards ceremony 7 – 9 p.m. May 5 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center and Renton High School Commons.

This year’s winners are:

• John Austin, eighth grade language arts, Dimmitt Middle School

• Melissa Barnard, eighth grade science, Nelsen Middle School

• Jessica Buchan, ninth grade language arts, speech and debate coach, Renton High School

• Vanessa Del Fierro, 9-12, language arts, Hazen High School

• Kelley Miller, fifth grade Discovery Program, Kennydale Elementary

Each teacher, who demonstrates high standards of professionalism in education, will receive a $500 cash award and special honors at the award ceremony on May 5. This event is free and open to the public.

More than 100 teachers and nine teams of teachers from throughout the Renton area were nominated this year. Two separate committees, consisting of community and business leaders, reviewed applications and conducted personal interviews with the teachers to select this year’s winners. The selection criteria for naming the award winners are based on national standards for teaching.

The Ahead of the Class award program is a partnership between the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton public and private schools, and Renton businesses. The program’s aim is to enhance community awareness of the excellence of education in Renton.

The program also provides an opportunity for community partners to show their support for education and teachers. The award ceremony is free to the public thanks to this year’s Ahead of the Class sponsors. Presenting Sponsor: Seattle Seahawks; Corporate Sponsors: First Savings Bank Northwest, McLendon Hardware and Oil Can Henry’s Reception Sponsor: Renton PTSA Council; Entertainment Sponsor: Renton Education Association Video Sponsor: Puget Sound Access/ Channel 77; and Media Sponsor, Morning Star Photography.

Emcee for this years ceremony is Seattle Seahawks spokesperson Tony Ventrella and entertainment will be provided by the Seahawks Drumline, Blue Thunder.

To RSVP or for more information, call the chamber at 425-226-4560 or visit the Renton Chamber of Commerce website.

The honorees:

John Austin

Austin is a new teacher to the Renton School District in his first year. John has a MA in Teaching, A BA in English-Creative Writing.

“As a new teacher to Dimmitt, John has shown incredible enthusiasm towards learning and applying our school initiatives. He brings a positive attitude and leadership to his PLC and is an asset to the building.” Sarah Erickson, colleague

Melissa Barnard

Barnard has been teaching for nine years at Nelsen Middle School. She holds a double major in Biology and Art History and has a Masters in teaching.

“Melissa has been a strong force at Nelsen Middle School for the Science program. She continuously encourages her students to achieve above expectation, investigate and apply their learned content. She creates innovative labs and assignments for her eighth grade students to allow them to develop their kinesthetic understanding of Science.” Deborah Sekreta, colleague

Jessica Buchan

Buchan has been teaching for five years at Renton High School. She has a Masters in teaching with an English Endorsement from Seattle University.

“Out of all the teachers that I’ve had the opportunity to learn under, Mrs. Buchan has been the best. She has put everything into not only making sure her students understand the subject matter in her language arts classes, both Honors and mainstream, but also puts just as much into speech and debate. Recently married, this is a lot to have on one teacher’s shoulders, but she has taken it in stride. For all this work she deserves recognition. With the caliber of effort she puts into not only the average school day, but the late night and early mornings associated with being Speech and Debate coach for our school.” Vincent Warren, student

Vanessa Del Fierro

Del Fierro has been teaching at Hazen High School for four years.

“Vanessa Del Fierro is an inspiration to her colleagues and her students. As someone who works in the same department, I can attest to her patience, her positive nature, her thoughtful comments, and her inspiring planning.

She is currently pursuing National Board certification. She is the type of teacher who puts thought and care into every assignment she provides to the students.

The students come away from Vanessa’s room better people. They are more patient, kinder, superior writers, and better thinkers. It truly has been a joy to watch Vanessa grow and develop over the past few years at Hazen High School. She has gone from a passionate young teacher into an experienced, thoughtful, and mature leader in our building.” Ben Graeber, colleague

Kelley Miller

Miller has been teaching for 4 1/2 years, all at Kennydale Elementary. Kelley has a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Curriculum Instruction.

“She works beyond her best to reach her students in a meaningful way. She tries to keep students interested in what they learn and changes her tactics when something does not work. She uses tons of energy to teach and wants each student to grow and to their best. She deserves to be recognized for that effort in teaching.” Sarah Gilbert, colleague