Old Adobe Elementary Charter School
Petaluma, CA
Hannah Ammerman, a teacher at Steele Lane Elementary in Santa Rosa, goes the extra mile for her students and school community. She makes learning fun and meaningful, using colorful dice, number locks, and sorting games to help students understand math through hands-on activities. Outside the classroom, Ms. Ammerman works hard to secure extra resources. Through DonorsChoose, she brings in supplies that otherwise wouldn’t be available, showing her strong commitment to giving students the best learning experience. During the 2020–2021 school year, when students learned mostly on Zoom, Ms. Ammerman taught kindergarten to children who had never been to school before. She supported both students and their families by creating weekly packets for pickup, organizing Zoom lunches and games beyond her contract, and checking in weekly with each family. She made learning joyful and helped kids stay on track during a very difficult year. More recently, she revamped the “Then & Now” social studies unit to be more inclusive, a project she has refined over two years. Her next science unit, “Plant & Animal Survive & Thrive,” focuses on how animals and plants adapt and the threats they face from human activity. She shares photos from her trip to Ecuador with the New Community Project, which excites and inspires her students. To keep building identity and empowerment, she launched a DonorsChoose project to expand her library with inclusive books. At a time when inclusion is threatened, Ms. Ammerman is working to help her students see themselves in stories and develop empathy and critical thinking from a young age. Ms. Ammerman is more than a teacher. She’s a leader, role model, and someone who brings compassion, purpose, and joy to everything she does.
Ms. Ammerman was named Sonoma County’s Teacher of the Month in November 2021, a recognition that highlights just how exceptional she is. This award is given to educators who consistently go above and beyond, making a lasting difference in their students’ lives and the school community as a whole. Ms. Ammerman was selected from hundreds of teachers across the county, which speaks volumes about her standout ability to engage students, build meaningful relationships, and create a classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. She earned this honor because of her dedication, creativity, and the deep care she shows for each student, every single day. Her classroom is a place where learning is joyful, challenges are met with encouragement, and every student is inspired to reach their full potential. Her passion for teaching and her tireless commitment to her students have not gone unnoticed. Families, fellow educators, and the broader community recognize her as a role model and leader. Ms. Ammerman represents the very best of what it means to be a teacher.
Ms. Ammerman is currently facing a significant challenge. Steele Lane Elementary, where she has built a strong, supportive classroom community, is scheduled to close in 2026 as part of district-wide budget cuts. This decision has understandably created uncertainty and concern for students, families, and staff. Yet, throughout this difficult time, Ms. Ammerman remains a steady, positive force. She continues to show up every day with optimism, creating a safe and welcoming space where her students feel valued, supported, and ready to learn. Her calm presence and unwavering dedication help ease the anxiety that comes with change, providing a sense of stability and hope. Ms. Ammerman is a true believer in the power of education to transform lives, and she continues to focus on what matters most which is helping her students grow, both academically and emotionally. Her resilience, leadership, and compassion have left a lasting impact on the Steele Lane community. When the time comes for her to transition to a new school, there is no doubt that whichever site she joins will be incredibly fortunate to have such a talented, committed, and deeply caring educator on their team.