Solana Beach School District honors employees of the year

The Solana Beach School District has selected Susana Baum, an intervention specialist at Solana Vista Elementary School, as Teacher of the Year and named Mashell Ingrande, secretary at Carmel Creek Elementary School as Classified Employee of the Year.

Solana Beach School District Teacher of the Year Susana Baum.

(Courtesy)

Baum began her education career at Solana Vista 27 years ago as a student teacher and then as a bilingual first grade teacher. She now provides support to students in kindergarten through third grade via small group instruction in the areas of reading and math. During her career, she has also provided English language development support to English learners. According to Baum, one of the best parts of her job is the privilege of collaborating with her peers on a continual basis.

“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized in this way,” said Baum. “I work in a wonderful learning environment where the staff is like family and we all share the same goal of meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of every student.”

Solana Vista Principal Katie Zimmer said Baum is “an amazing educator, always professional, committed, passionate, and unstoppable. She is always looking for ways to support her students and always uses data to guide her actions.”

Mashell Ingrande was named the SBSD Classified Employee of the Year

(Courtesy)

Carmel Creek School Principal Lisa Ryder refers to Ingrande as an extraordinary and enthusiastic employee.

“She is truly exceptional in every aspect of her work, and she always goes the extra mile,” said Ryder. “Mrs. Ingrande is one of our most dedicated employees.”

Ingrande has been at Carmel Creek for 11 years, serving as the school’s health clerk for six years before moving into her current role as secretary. Among her favorite things at the school is CCN (Carmel Creek News), which is fully operated by students and airs three times each week. She said that the most rewarding parts of her job are watching students learn and build confidence.

“Being nominated as SBSD Classified Employee of the Year by my colleagues is truly an honor,” Ingrande said. “It’s because of my colleagues, the students, and our families that I start my day thinking about what I can do to make their day just a little bit easier. They are the reason I love my job.”