The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognized Chris Telford, jewelry teacher at Auburn High School, as the outstanding staff member of the month at Monday’s board meeting. Ashley Coss Padilla, fifth-grade student at Hazelwood Elementary, was recognized as the outstanding student of the month.
February’s Outstanding Staff Member Chris Telford
An Auburn High graduate, Telford began his work with jewelry as a high school student. He attended Highline College’s goldsmith program and was close to completing it when the program was discontinued. He worked in jewelry repair and was a para-educator for the Auburn High jewelry class.
When the teaching position opened, he received his Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching certificate and has been teaching the program at Auburn High for the last 15 years.
Telford is a huge believer in CTE programs. “I don’t expect most of my students will become jewelry makers,” he said. “But in my class, they learn how to use tools, use real-world problem-solving skills and learn to trust in their own abilities.”
February’s Outstanding Student Ashley Coss Padilla
Coss Padilla has attended Hazelwood since kindergarten and is a diligent learner. She also is a positive role model for her peers.
Teacher Holly Donnelly has known her for four years and said, “Ashley is a sweet, kind and helpful young lady. “
The above is a press release from the Auburn School District. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.