Teachers Create Magic: Celebrating 200+ Years of Impact

Every day, teachers turn classrooms into places of wonder—where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and learning comes to life. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honoring five of the district’s longest-serving educators whose careers remind us that teachers truly create magic.

With a combined 216 years of service, these educators have taught generations of students, adapted through decades of change, and continue to bring joy, care, and creativity into their classrooms year after year.

From first days of kindergarten to middle school milestones, from gym floors to bilingual classrooms, the magic these teachers create looks different—but its impact lasts a lifetime.

DaZanne Porter, 49 years of service

Kindergarten teacher
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary

For nearly five decades, DaZanne Porter, a kindergarten teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, has helped generations of students take their first steps into school—and into believing in themselves.

Over the course of her career, DaZanne has served in many roles, including first grade teacher, house administrator, interventionist, and reading coach. But kindergarten has always been her heart.

“Kindergarten is my niche,” she said. “Teaching Kindergarten is not just a job, it’s my calling.”

What keeps Porter inspired year after year is seeing her students’ growth come full circle. Each spring, she reflects on the remarkable transformation that unfolds in her classroom.

“From timid, shy kindergarteners not knowing what to expect to brilliant, confident scholars who are reading, writing, adding, and subtracting—the growth is phenomenal,” she said.

That sense of joy and purpose is what brings her back every day. Even after nearly 50 years in education, Porter still looks forward to each morning in the classroom, driven by her love of teaching and the belief that those first school experiences shape everything that comes next.

Son Tran, 44 years of service

K-5 English Language Development teacher
Sanislo Elementary

At Sanislo Elementary, Son Tran creates magic by building bridges across languages and cultures, helping students see their identities as strengths.

As a K–5 English Language Development teacher, Tran has spent decades helping students see their identities not as barriers, but as strengths. Day after day, he witnesses moments that make teaching extraordinary.

“The most rewarding part of my work is to be able to see the visible growth,” Tran said. “Seeing students go from confusion to confidence or from silence to participation because of my effort—that’s when you realize you’ve made a difference.”

Those breakthrough moments—when a student finally “gets it”—are what keeps him returning to the classroom year after year.

“Each class brings new personalities, challenges, and breakthrough moments,” Tran said. “Those moments don’t disappear with time. It’s a steady accumulation of purpose, relationships, and moments that still feel worthwhile year after year.”

Phil Beck, 42 years of service

Social Studies teacher
Whitman Middle School

Through decades of teaching middle school students, Philip Beck has been a steady presence during one of the most pivotal stages of a student’s life: middle school. As a social studies teacher, he has helped generations of students make sense of the world and their place within it.

Beck makes learning meaningful and memorable, guided by one constant: relationships. Beck also credits his students. Middle schoolers’ humor, energy, and fresh perspectives make each day different, reminding him why this work still matters.

“Seeing students grow over time and then come back years later to share how I impacted them is incredibly meaningful.”

That sense of continuity has deepened as the years have passed. Having the opportunity to teach the children of former students adds a special dimension to the work, allowing Beck to reflect on connections across generations and see how learning—and family stories—evolve over time.

What keeps him coming back is a combination of community and joy in the craft. The strong sense of belonging at Whitman Middle School, along with his passion for teaching social studies, continues to energize his days.

Deena Docter, 41 years of service

Elementary P.E. teacher
Broadview-Thomson K‑8

Whether on the playground or in the gym, Deena Docter has brought energy, joy, and lifelong lessons about movement, teamwork, and well-being.

“I love teaching P.E. because of the love I have for sports, games and fitness. I like to motivate students to have a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally,” she said.

Connecting with students and being a positive influence in their lives is very important to Doctor. It’s the main reason why she loves teaching.

Mark Ellis, 40 years of service

4th grade teacher
TOPS K‑8

Mark Ellis has inspired elementary students through creativity, consistency, and a deep belief in every child’s potential for four decades.

When asked what’s the most rewarding thing about the work, Ellis’ answer was simple: the kids. They are what keep him coming back year after year.

Whether they are a first-year teacher or a seasoned veteran, the magic educators create doesn’t disappear when the school day ends—it stays with students for years to come.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we thank them—and all our teachers—for the creativity, care, and commitment that make our schools extraordinary.