The SAUSD Board of Education this week recognized Kellie O’Neill as Certificated Employee of the Month for January 2020. Kellie O’Neill is an English teacher, support teacher, Department lead and GATE coordinator at Willard Intermediate School.
Bertha Benavides, principal of Willard Intermediate School, had this to say about Kellie during the January 14, 2020 Board meeting:
“Good evening Mr. Almendarez, Members of the Board, Members of the Cabinet, Ladies, and Gentlemen:
It is with great pleasure and pride that I present Mrs. Kellie O’Niell as the January 2020 Classified Employee of the Month.
Mrs. Kellie O’Niell, English teacher, support teacher, Department lead and GATE coordinator, is the very model of dedication, passion, love and teamwork. Mrs. O’Neill is one of the hardest working educators on campus. She has continued to put her heart and soul into the students and staff at Willard for the last 9 years. Although she is not one to seek attention, her efforts should not go unnoticed. All students who know her love her. She is always there to lend a hand or an ear to others and helps to create a positive campus culture not only with our students but also with our staff.
Mrs. O’Neill job does not end after the bell rings. For example during lunch, her room is full of students hanging out, whether to get extra help or just be in a “safe space.” During passing periods, students stop by to get a hug or a smile to brighten their day. After school, students feel welcomed to come in to her class for extra help.
Mrs. O’Neill, is not only full of love and attention, but is an educator with high expectations for all her students. She continues to challenge her students with the rigorous lessons she plans. She makes an effort to be at the students’ events and at campus activities, like being wrapped in toilet paper at lunch. This year she took a leap of faith, and tried a new flexible learning environment where students feel as if they are at home on a couch or a lounge chair. The students have truly loved it! Her enthusiasm is contagious and coming to work and seeing her in action, is a motivation in and of itself.
It is an honor to work with Mrs. O’Neill. Her dedication and love for the students inspires all who come in contact with her to strive to be a better teacher and person. I cannot think of someone more deserving to receive this acknowledgement.
Congratulations Kellie!
