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Staunton High School educator honored as division's teacher of the year

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Patrick Hite, Staunton News Leader
·2 min read
Lori Peltonen (second from right), school librarian/media specialist at Staunton High, was the Staunton City Schools teacher of the year. She is seen here with, from left, Staunton assistant principal Jonathan Taylor, Superintendent Garett Smith and Staunton principal Nate Collins.
Lori Peltonen (second from right), school librarian/media specialist at Staunton High, was the Staunton City Schools teacher of the year. She is seen here with, from left, Staunton assistant principal Jonathan Taylor, Superintendent Garett Smith and Staunton principal Nate Collins.

STAUNTON — Lori Peltonen has been named the teacher of the year for Staunton City Schools. Peltonen is the librarian and media specialist at Staunton High School.

She's been in education for 30 years, per a release from the school division, including 17 years as a media specialist. Peltonen was also a middle school teacher for 13 years.

"She uses the role as media specialist to create a more dynamic all-in-one position that has the potential to positively impact every person in the building," the release said. "She routinely collaborates with classroom teachers for direct work with students, goes on home visits to provide students with needed resources, submits (and receives) grants to expand student experiences, and models kindness to all, as shown through her recognition as a Kindness Ambassador."

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The release said that one of her greatest contributions is that Peltonen is a mentor to those around her.

"Students without an assigned class sometimes become unwilling library helpers, but there is always a variety of ongoing projects to assist with, and the helpers usually find one suited to their interests," the release said. "Being a mentor does not just stop in high school and with academics. Peltonen said, 'Creating successful citizens is the goal for educators.'"

Peltonen was one of six nominees fro the overall teacher of the year in Staunton. The other nominees, all named teacher of the year at their respective schools, are:

  • Diane Kester, first-grade teacher, Bessie Weller Elementary

  • Amy Montoya, fourth-grade teacher, McSwain Elementary

  • Sara Linhares, fourth-grade teacher, Ware Elementary

  • Holly Moody, world languages teacher, Shelburne Middle

  • Lauren Orndorff, art and music teacher, Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents

Teachers at each school nominate and vote for one of their peers to be a school-level teacher of the year, prior to a committee selecting one of the representatives as the final division-wide teacher of the year, using criteria outlined by the state, per the release.

Collectively, the six teachers being recognized have contributed 125 years in education, showing a clear commitment to education as a life choice.

“Each of our teachers of the year are not only exceptional educators, but genuinely caring, sincere, and humble citizens, too," said Staunton's Executive Director of Instruction, Stephanie Haskins. "We are pleased to be able to honor our teachers each year for the amazing contributions they make for our students and our families."

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Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton High School librarian honored as teacher of the year by school division