Jan Kosaka
Chesterton Elementary School
Elementary School Assistant
Jan Kosaka has been a "fixture" at Chesterton Elementary for more than 20 years. According to colleagues, she can generally anticipate what someone will need and how she can help them, even as they are walking towards her desk. She's described as "extremely professional, gracious, pleasant to work with and irreplaceable."
San Diego Unified congratulates Jan Kosaka and her family on her selection as 2010 Classified Employee of the Year.
"Jan's very thorough knowledge of school operations and budget, excellent organizational skills and gentle understanding of the needs of Chesterton's students, parents and staff allows our school to function smoothly and efficiently," said Principal Herb Delute. "Her sense of humor, calming influence and problem solving skills in the front office also promote a very positive atmosphere with both the public and the school staff."
Kosaka started as a classroom aide and now works as an administrative assistant. She is much beloved by staff, teachers, students and parents alike. Although Jan Kosaka is known throughout the district for her expertise, strong work ethic, reliability and dependability, it's her genuine smile that is most often recognized. She is admired for having a positive, easy going demeanor, balanced with the ability to do her job efficiently, going above and beyond her job description every day.
2010 Runner Up
Marina (Liz) Stevenson
Marston Middle School
Student Information Systems
Site Technician II
"Marina (Liz) Stevenson is an exceptional employee and a valuable member of the Marston Middle School staff. She touches virtually every aspect of the school - working with administrators to make sure the master schedule reflects the school's educational philosophy, with counselors to ensure the most effective placement of students, with teachers to use data systems to drive instruction and with parents in getting connected to student information via technology. She exemplifies the term "life-long learner" while being one of the most patient "non-teacher" teachers I have ever known."
-- Betsy Cook, Principal, Marston Middle School
"Liz Stevenson is one of the most dedicated and positive staff members on our campus... her wit and sense of humor make our work environment caring and fun, ensuring that her office is always a bright place to be. Her technological wisdom allows our staff to use relevant data and technology to create innovative programs that promote student learning and success. It is a sincere pleasure to work and learn from her each and every day. I believe I am a better educator because of the support that she provides in service to our community."
--Joni Rullo, Counselor Marston Middle School