By Khalida Sarwari
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District recently recognized two individuals as its best employees for the 2014-15 school year.
Barbara Straw, a school resource aide in the Community-Based Instruction program at Saratoga High, was named the Classified Employee of the Year, while Los Gatos social studies instructor Stephanie Bulaich was named Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Bob Mistele commended the women for epitomizing the values of great educators.
“They put kids first, making sure our students have the best possible learning environment every day,” Mistele said. “They lead by example. And, at the same time, they are true collaborators and learners, raising the bar for themselves each day and meeting it.”
As part of her duties, Shaw teaches independent living skills to students with disabilities. She also assists students in general education classes, helping to modify curriculum. After school, Shaw tutors students who are English language-learners.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Shaw, who has been with the district since 2001, also devotes some of her time to reading essays for the English department and serving as an instructional aide, a driver and a source of support for staff and students alike, according to the district.
In a press release issued last week, district officials used words such as “positive, supportive, enthusiastic, compassionate, bright, caring, well-spoken and thoughtful” to describe Shaw.
“The combination of her pragmatism and willingness to pitch in when needed has made her an invaluable employee,” the press release stated. “She has served our most challenged and sometimes challenging students and been a major contributor in their ultimate success in school.”
An eight-year veteran of the Los Gatos High School teaching staff, Bulaich was praised by the district for her “dedication, style, and kindness.” Her colleagues lauded her for her “spirited and generous” contributions to the school community–Kristy Grasty, an assistant principal at Los Gatos High, being one of them.
“She leads an enormous crew of students who have made this school one of the happiest places on earth to work and attend,” said Grasty. “Having so many of her leadership students in my class, I know from firsthand accounts what a gift she is to them and how all they want to do is try to meet her enthusiasm.”
Bulaich has also served as the activities director for the school’s associated student body for the past four years.
