We are delighted to announce our May 2026 Co-Teachers of the Month! Patrick Hennessey and Aliza Van Leesten teach ninth- and tenth-grade Newcomer English and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Thurgood Marshall High School. We are honored to recognize Mr. Hennessey and Ms. V. for their unwavering dedication to their students, school, and community!
Mr. Patrick Hennessey
Mr. Hennessey exemplifies true leadership in our educational community through his unwavering commitment to leading by example. He is always ready to roll up his sleeves and actively engage in new projects and innovative ideas that can enhance our students’ learning experiences. He approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination, whether he’s teaching financial literacy to students or collaborating with 826 Valencia to provide additional resources and support.
His dedication to personal and professional growth sets a powerful example for both students and staff alike. Every day, he models the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, encouraging students to push their boundaries while ensuring they never have to face difficulties alone. Mr. Hennessey’s motivations stem from a deep-rooted belief in the significance of building strong relationships, and he prioritizes these connections in everything he does.
One student says, “Mr. Hennessey is a constant motivator for me and others. Sometimes I feel like I will never get better at school. And he reminds me that I am more capable than what I believe is real and helps motivate me when I lose motivation. During our project with 826 Valencia, he pushed me and helped me stay focused on sharing my story about the day before I left my country to move to the United States.”
Over the past three years, Mr. Hennessey has consistently brought passion and creativity to his role in teaching SEL Advisory. He has shown an impressive willingness to explore new strategies and approaches to support students’ well-being, often adapting his methods to better meet their needs. His consistency in motivation, combined with his genuine kindness, highlights his remarkable ability to inspire those around him.
Thank you, Mr. Hennessey, for your unwavering dedication and for always embracing the opportunity to try something new in service of our students’ growth and success.
Ms. Aliza Van Leesten
Ms. V. is consistently striving to find innovative ways to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world community experiences, effectively enhancing her students’ educational journeys. One notable example of her creativity is her initiative to partner with 826 Valencia for our annual Young Authors’ Book Project (YABP). Through this collaboration, Ms. V. encourages her students to think critically about their own identities and their roles in the wider community, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
One student says, “I am grateful for Ms. V. She helps all of us stay motivated and keep our education goals in mind. If a classmate or I ever need help, I can turn to her. And I am glad we were able to participate in the 826 Valencia project to learn how to better express ourselves.”
In addition to her commitment to academic enrichment, Ms. V. places a strong emphasis on fostering her students’ social-emotional well-being. She recognizes that a supportive learning environment is crucial for students to thrive academically and personally. With this understanding, she designs her projects to thoughtfully integrate challenges that not only stimulate critical thinking but also encourage deeper intellectual engagement. These challenges help students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience.
Another student says, “Ms. V. helps me in everything, from the 826 Valencia writing project to my math homework. She explains everything to me in a way that helps me understand the work, and I can always turn to her for help.”
Moreover, Ms. V. prioritizes building strong, trusting relationships with her students. She creates an atmosphere where students feel safe to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas, which in turn nurtures their confidence and willingness to take risks in their learning. Her approachable demeanor and active listening skills make her a favorite among students, who appreciate her genuine interest in their lives and aspirations.
Overall, Ms. V.’s unwavering dedication to building meaningful connections and nurturing her students’ growth positions her as an invaluable asset to Thurgood Marshall High School in her role as the SEL Advisory Coordinator. Her ability to blend academic rigor with the emotional and social needs of her students profoundly impacts their educational experiences and personal development.
Meet other Teacher of the Month awardees, and nominate a special SFUSD teacher in your life.