SEVA Teacher of the Week

This school year, we’d like to take the time to shine a spotlight on our SEVA teachers. Our talented SEVA teachers help to develop and implement the student’s skills in incredible ways. We want to honor every teacher who encourages and fosters the passion and talents of their students. Our teachers are committed to making a difference in the life of each and every student. We’ll be updating this page weekly to give each of our SEVA teachers a time to shine!

Kyle Heckey of Sutter Middle School

Our SEVA Teacher of the Week is Kyle Heckey from Sutter Middle School in the Sacramento City Unified School District. Mr. Heckey has been teaching media for 4 of his 17 years of teaching. One of Mr. Heckey’s biggest passions in media is showing his students that although videos can require hard work to create, they are worth the effort to have a lasting project that lives on after school is over. His students’ hard work shows in the three SEVAs they took home during this last year’s award night. If you look in his classroom, it’s no surprise that his favorite SEVA category is creative expression. He gives his students the flexibility to create whatever they are passionate about, and is always there to help in any way he can. Just this past year, submissions from his students involved everything from recycling, to school ghosts, germs and the golden rule! Student creativity not only shined, but it was clear that it was encouraged and nurtured by Mr. Heckey. Thank you, Mr. Heckey for your constant curiosity and eagerness to learn! We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in the future of media!

Tammy Null of Florence Markofer Elementary

Our SEVA Teacher of the Week is Tammy Null of Florence Markofer Elementary in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Mrs. Null has been teaching for over 18 years, and has not lost a single ounce of her enthusiasm. Her excitement is contagious at SEVA events, as well as in her classroom. It is incredible to witness Mrs. Null instill confidence in her students to create their first videos. Although she is a master at making the best of what equipment she has, her studio was given a needed upgrade this year with a SEVA grant. With her help, her students are sure to be able to accomplish great things with the new equipment. Mrs. Null loves sharing her passion with others and it shows! When her students were asked about their SEVA experience, a constant theme was how much she had shared her vast knowledge with them in meaningful ways. Mrs. Null is looking toward the future to see what new technology it will bring for her classroom. We have no doubt that she will continue to be an integral part of the SEVA community. Thank you, Mrs. Null for your contagious enthusiasm and passion! We are proud of all you have contributed to your students, as well as to the SEVA program itself.

2018 Allan Hinderstein winner Joann Darrow

Our SEVA Teacher of the Week recognizes teachers that go above and beyond when it comes to media, and Joann Darrow is the perfect example. Joann has been teaching for 17 years and has made an everlasting impression on her students. She was awarded the 2018 Hinderstein Award for her commitment to integrate videos as a tool for opening a world of learning possibilities for her students. It’s this commitment and her excitement about the future of media that makes her truly great. She is always looking to grow and change with her students and knows the value that students feel when they are a part of something bigger than the classroom. Joann has learned that not only is she teaching her students, but they are teaching her at the same time and they are often times the best teachers! When speaking to the students in her classroom each one had their own story about how Joann had helped them grow their passion in media. Our SEVA program would not be the same without her and the over 130 videos her students have entered since 2012. Thank you Joann for all that you do and for being such a great contributor to the SEVA Program!