As part of their commitment to education, and to celebrate teachers in the Renton School District, each month members of Rotary Club of Renton selects a few teachers as Teacher of the Month.
November’s Teachers of the Month are:
Amanda Ipock
Fourth Grade Teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary
Ipock began her college experience at Indiana University in Bloominton, Ind., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She continued her education at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind. to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Ipock also taught fourth and fifth grade in Louisville, Ky. for seven years. This year marks Amanda’s third year teaching in Renton.
Carrie Riggs
Instructional Learning Center (ILC) Teacher at Tiffany Park Elementary School
Riggs attended the Western Washington University where she earned a bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She continued her education at Seattle University where she earned a master’s in Education with an endorsement in Special Education. She spent time teaching English in Japan to students ranging in age from three years to adult and has also worked with high school and transition (adult) students in the Bellevue School District. She also spent time as an assistant in a financial planning setting and worked as a barista. This is Riggs’ ninth year with the Renton School District.
Ethan Smith
Science Teacher at McKnight Middle School
Smith earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in environmental science and a minor in economics from Willamette University in Salem, Ore. He also attended the University of Washington where he received a master of Education in Instructional Leadership. He has also received National Board Certification in Teaching. Smith has also taught in the Tahoma School District and spent several years as an Instructional Coach in Technology, Science and Math. This is Smith’s sixth year as a teacher in the Renton School District.
As part of the recognition, teachers attend Rotary’s Teacher of the Month recognition luncheon held at the Maplewood Golf Course. Each teacher is introduced, makes a brief comment about the school and classroom, and receives $200 to be used for classroom supplies or instructional materials.
