Teacher Spotlight - Tina Brunetti - McPolin 

In 4th grade, Tina Brunetti knew she wanted to be a teacher. But, she didn't start teaching until she was over 30. "I came from a very poor family, and there wasn't money for college. I got a job in high school that paid well, and stuck with that for a while. My father gave me some money to go to beauty school, and I enrolled in UNLV instead!"

"I've devoted most of my career to the underserved, because I know what those kids are going through. I majored in Elementary Education, and got a Masters in Special Education, because at that time, all the exciting ideas about differentiation and inclusive learning were coming from Special Ed."

After 17 years teaching all elementary grades and coaching teachers in the Las Vegas School District, Tina and her husband were ready for a change and moved to Park City. "I interviewed with Parley's Park and McPolin, and ended up teaching 2nd grade at McPolin for six years and taught 4th grade last year. This year, I moved to the Literacy Specialist position, and I hope to make a difference for the entire school."

"The difference working in a small district versus Las Vegas (the 5th biggest district in the nation) is night and day. One of my first days here, a parent walked in and offered to help. I froze! I didn't know what to do! Parents here value you. And the small size allows for close relationships with your colleagues. And, if I wanted to, I could make an appointment to see the Superintendent or a School Board member! That would never happen in a big district."

"It's amazing to me that innovative ideas actually get looked at and funded here. Having a resource like PCEF, a foundation that support teachers, is an unbelievable experience. The fact that a teacher can ask for money for an idea, and receive it, was unheard of to me until I came here."

When asked about the best part of her day, Tina says, "When, out of the blue, a child says, 'thank you for helping me.' They are so sincere! Or when they come back a few years, or even many years later, and tell me that I made a difference. It gives me the shivers! Being a teacher is more than a job - it's giving back to society."

Tina has numerous passions, some of which are sailing, scuba diving, skiing, writing, watching Downton Abby and spending time with her husband, Ron.

Summer Marshall - Ecker Hill 

Summer Marshall is the Technology Instructional Coach at Ecker Hill, and Jeremy Ranch, and taught 6th grade writing at Ecker for nine years before that. "I've known since I could talk that I wanted to be a teacher. I used to teach my stuffed animals! And, I've always been interested in technology in the classroom."

Summer graduated from Ft Lewis College in Durango. "My first teaching job was on the Navajo reservation, which I got thru my ESL Endorsement professor. It was a great learning experience. I had K - 4th grade in my classroom. I wrote a grant there that brought computers to the classroom. Here at Ecker, I was in one of the first classrooms to use the COWS (computers on wheels) and I got my Tech Endorsement the first year it was offered. When the Instructional Coach position opened up, I really wanted to try it.

"My job is to support teachers as they use education technology, trying to focus on education, not the device. I help them figure out the best way to use technology in the classroom, answer questions they have. And just like teaching kids, the best part of my day is when they have that 'aha' moment.

"For me, PCEF supports innovation, and dreams. I love working with adults, but I missed the kids. The GenYes class that PCEF funds is a student technology leadership class, and it's the only one of its kind in Utah. What's been wonderful for me to see, as a teacher, is that it's given a broad range of kids who might feel out of place a leadership role like no other in the school.

"The biggest difference working in this district, is that I'm not spending half my paycheck buying toothpaste and socks for my students! Kids have incredible opportunities here, like Dual Language or the Get Out and Play program. And, the collaboration with fellow teachers here is remarkable."

Leadership Park City, the Park City School District, and PCEF invite you to the 21st Community Leadership Lecture

Monday, March 16th, 7:00 PM  

in the Park City High School Lecture Hall

Admission is FREE

Leading with Heart and Soul - Dr. Paul Houston

Dr. Paul D. Houston has served as executive director of the American Association of School Administrators since 1994. He has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television.