Our warmest congratulations go to Ms. Tobi Hacker, 826 Valencia's September teacher of the month!

Ms. Hacker teaches Language Arts and Social Studies to seventh graders at James Lick Middle School. With high standards and a nurturing teaching style, Ms. Hacker has inspired students and teachers alike to never settle -- to always strive for more in education.

Ms. Hacker brims with teaching talent and dedication, as her classes are known for being rigorous and well-scaffolded, and her assignments innovative and engaging. Her genuinely nurturing style has not only led to strong, trusting relationships with her students, but also a "focused and respectful learning environment, where high expectations are met daily."

Beyond her deep commitment to her students, Ms. Hacker also demonstrates the importance of collaborating with colleagues for the development of a strong curriculum and exciting lessons. When not offering in-services on classroom management and engagement strategies, she often mentors new teachers, allowing them to observe her class and debrief lessons with them. As a member of the district's Middle School Leadership Initiative, she has contributed to developing testing standards in writing assessment, always insisting on the best standards for her students.

Yet it doesn't end here! She is also a sponsor of the school's yearbook, which adds up to many extra hours of service per week! After all the hours and love she puts into her very important job, we can only say hooray for Ms. Hacker!

We are so fortunate to have a teacher of Tobi Hacker's caliber in our neighborhood. Congratulations again to this very deserving teacher!