Laura is a first-generation high school and college graduate with a passion for lifelong learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in English Language Learning, and endorsements in Gifted and Talented Education and Teaching English as a Second Language. In 2023, she earned Level 2 Google Certification, a National STEM Teaching Certificate, and National Board Certification in Literacy. Laura was also honored as her district's Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her three sons and former students at local sports events.

With 18 years of experience in the Carson City area, Laura has taught students from Pre-K to 5th grade as a reading interventionist, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and literacy specialist. Her teaching experience covers English Learners, Gifted and Talented, Special Education students, and students with varied literacy, math, and science skills. Her work focuses on creating inclusive and equitable learning environments where every student can thrive. Laura supports high-quality instruction by incorporating STEM and project-based learning to help students connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

Laura contributes significantly beyond the classroom, serving on her school improvement team to analyze data and set school goals. She helped implement PRESS, an early literacy intervention system, to support teachers in making data-driven instructional decisions. At the state level, she is part of the Read by Grade 3 Literacy Lifeline Cohort and is a writer for the Nevada State Literacy Plan. Laura leads professional learning communities, encouraging collaboration among teachers, and guides parent engagement by facilitating parent-teacher conferences focused on reading and math fluency. Her leadership extends to supporting teachers in goal setting and providing resources to help parents assist their children’s learning at home.

Michaela, born and raised in Ruth, Nevada, has a deep understanding of the challenges and celebrations of rural life in the state. She attended all twelve years of school in White Pine County, graduating from White Pine High School in 2013. Michaela’s commitment to education is evident in her seven years of teaching experience and her advocacy for educational excellence in Nevada. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2017, specializing in Integrated Elementary Teaching with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and endorsement credits in Early Childhood Education. In 2020, she completed her Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University.

Michaela began her teaching career in 2017 in Eastern Nevada and currently teaches Kindergarten at McGill Elementary School in White Pine County. With a strong foundation in early childhood, elementary, and mathematics education, Michaela is dedicated to creating authentic, relevant learning experiences that set a solid foundation for her young students' future academic journeys. She leads the Kindergarten Team and is actively involved in the White Pine County School District Leadership Team, where she collaborates to ensure her students receive a high-quality, student-centered education.

Beyond the classroom, Michaela is a Nevada Future of Learning Network Educator Ambassador, promoting the Nevada Portrait of a Learner and advocating for meaningful learning opportunities across the district and state. She also coaches the White Pine High School Cheerleading and Stunt team, where she fosters teamwork and a positive, supportive environment for students. Recognized for her dedication, Michaela was named Teacher of the Month in November 2017 and was a finalist for the 2023 Nevada State Teacher of the Year. Her commitment extends to advancing Nevada’s educational landscape by building bridges within the school, community, and state to support future-ready students.

Roderick is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with a Bachelor of Music Degree from Oklahoma City University and graduate studies in Theatrical Directing from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. His passion for music and teaching is evident in his years of experience and various accolades, including being a 2023 Grammy Educator of the Year Nominee, 2023 Nevada ACDA Choral Music Educator of the Year, and recipient of the 2019 Heart of Education Award. Recently, he was a semifinalist in the Reader's Digest "America's Favorite Teacher" Competition.

Currently the Choir Director at Liberty High School, Mr. Russell has created a vibrant program where students perform at school events and within the community. His choirs frequently bring music to local senior centers, schools, and community groups. In 2023, his Liberty Show Choir was selected to perform with the band Foreigner and invited to join them again in 2024. In 2022, he introduced the Patriot Pals music appreciation class, specifically designed for students with special needs. This course offers students opportunities to engage with music through singing, drumming, and dance, fostering enjoyment and skill in music fundamentals. Prior to joining the Clark County School District in 2004, Mr. Russell taught Vocal Music in Oklahoma for ten years.

Beyond his role as a choir director, Mr. Russell is active in directing musical theater productions such as Into the Woods, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Our Town. He has also performed with local theater companies, including Signature Theater and Super Summer Theater, sharing his expertise and passion for music and performance. His contributions have earned him several honors, including the Henderson Mayor’s Honor Roll Award (2023) and a Four Peaks for Teachers Grant (2021), underscoring his dedication to enriching the arts in his community and inspiring his students.

Sage is a dedicated Physical Education Teacher in Las Vegas, where she teaches at the same middle school she once attended. A product of the Clark County School District herself, Sage brings a personal connection and commitment to her role. She holds an undergraduate degree in Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of South Florida. Known for her energetic personality and "can-do" attitude, she positively impacts her school’s climate and culture through her advocacy for equity, diversity, and high expectations.

In her PE classes, Sage focuses on making learning engaging and relevant. Her instruction is rooted in physical activity, project-based learning, cultural expression, and cooperative activities, empowering students to develop critical thinking and physical skills. She incorporates performance-based assessments in her curriculum, challenging students to apply their skills in meaningful ways. Sage’s approach to PE emphasizes holistic growth and self-actualization, encouraging students to reach their potential physically, mentally, and socially.

Beyond her PE classroom, Sage is an award-winning cheerleading coach, where she mentors youth and builds school spirit. She frequently emcees school assemblies, games, and family engagement events, fostering a strong community atmosphere. Active in professional development, Sage participates in roundtable discussions, board meetings, and speaking engagements to further her impact on education. She serves on the board of the Nevada chapter of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) and was named their Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023. Sage believes education should lead to joy, liberation, and empowerment, extending her influence beyond PE to support the whole child’s growth.

2024

• Brianna Cotter, The Meadows School
• Lt. Commander Dan Meyers, Carson City

2023

• Laura Penrod, Clark County
• Jaime Tadrynski, Clark County
• Michaela Marich, White Pine County
• Adrienne Wiggins, Carson City

2022

• Jennifer Hurt, Clark
• Lissa Kellog, Lyon County
• Jeanine Roser, Clark
• Rachel Croft, Carson

2021

• Lynn Jeka, Lyon
• Christina Bourne, Carson City
• Shelly Nee, Pershing
• Perryn Hale, Clark

2020

• Kathy Durham, Elko
• Patricia Martin, Nye
• Nicolas Jacques, Carson City
• Jeanine Roser, Clark

2019

• Joanna Kaiser, Clark
• Tish Carroll, Clark – Faith Lutheran
• Matthew Ochs, Washoe
• Stacey Black, Washoe

2018

• Mark Leamy, Clark
• Katherine Kareck, Washoe
• Rachel Leach, Lyon
• Aaron Grossman, Washoe

2017

• Richard Knoeppel, Clark
• Clarissa Sanchez, Clark
• Jerri Kerns, Lyon
• Anne Lenhares, Carson City