Linda Torres, a dedicated Math Intervention Teacher at Linell K. Walker Elementary School, is in the spotlight this month. Linda's journey in education has been diverse and impactful, spanning nearly three decades. Raised in Del Norte County, she first pursued a career in horticulture, earning a Master's Gardening degree from Oregon State University and starting her own business, Hidden Creek Gardens. However, her passion for teaching ignited when she volunteered in her children's classrooms. Linda moved to Arcata and obtained her teaching credential from Humboldt State University. She has been teaching for 29 years, with 23 of those years dedicated to the Fortuna Elementary School District. Throughout her career, Linda has taught various grades and subjects, from Social Studies at Eureka High School to an Opportunity class in Klamath and from 4th grade at Lincoln School to 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at Town School (now Fortuna Middle School). She also taught third grade at Ambrosini School before finding her current role as a Math Interventionist for grades K-4 at Walker School. Linda loves working with small groups of students, allowing her to build strong connections and meet their individual needs. She enjoys the variety of working with different grade levels and gaining insights into the various stages of mathematical thinking. This experience has reinforced her belief that students of any age can fall anywhere on the math development continuum, and it is the teacher's role to meet them where they are. A fun fact about Linda is her experience as a firefighter for the US Forest Service, highlighting her adventurous spirit and diverse background. Linda Torres's commitment to her students and ability to adapt and grow with each new role make her a cherished member of the Walker School community. Her expertise and passion for teaching continue to inspire and support the students she works with daily. We are fortunate to have Linda as part of our team, enriching the educational experience for all.

We are delighted to feature Irma Herrera as Walker's Staff Spotlight. Ms. Herrera is a dedicated English Language Development (ELD) Aide at Linell K. Walker Elementary School. Irma has been a valued member of our school community for over 20 years, bringing her passion and commitment to supporting our students every day. Throughout her career at Walker Elementary, Irma has worked with students from TK through 4th grade, providing essential assistance and fostering a positive learning environment. Her love for the "kiddos" is evident in everything she does, and she takes great joy in seeing them grow and succeed. You can often hear her laughing and chatting with students as she walks with them in the halls. Irma's deep roots in the community add a special touch to her role. She attended South Fortuna Elementary from 1st through 5th grade, which gives her a unique connection to the area and its families. Her colleagues and students alike appreciate her warm heart and dedication. A fun fact about Irma is her love for Disneyland. Her enthusiasm for the happiest place on earth is just one of the many things that make her such a beloved member of our school family. Irma Herrera's long-standing dedication and genuine affection for her students make her an indispensable part of Walker Elementary. Her ability to connect with students and support their language development is a testament to her skill and commitment. We are incredibly fortunate to have Irma on our team, and we celebrate her positive impact on our school community every day.