The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes Bettendorf Community School District staff who inspire exceptional service and attitude. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to their job and/or school involvement above and beyond expectations.
Mary Cameron
Paraeducator
Herbert Hoover Elementary
Mary is a critical part of the Hoover team. She is a support and advocate for the student she directly supports, seeking out ways to modify tasks and accommodate his specific needs. Mary always pitches in to help the Hoover team. She is always willing to assist colleagues and other students, often lending a hand in areas where we may be short.
She is a valued member of the team and we are fortunate to have her on staff at Hoover.
Gina Laughlin
Paraeducator
Bettendorf High School
Gina Laughlin may "hands-down" be one of the hardest-working people I have ever worked with. I have met very few individuals who are as selfless as Gina. She loves the students she works with and gives her time and resources freely to them. In addition, she is a very hard worker.
I have worked with her for many years. The students love working with her and will often seek her out. I have never met a person who gave so much of her time and resources to help others. Gina will spend her own time and money to help students. Not only does she help the students, but she will do anything she can to help another person. The students are always at the center of what she does! Gina is a shining example of what a team player should be.
Kyle Mink
Instructional Coach
Bettendorf High School
Kyle has been the longest-standing instructional coach for our building. He weathers changes and challenges with a positive attitude every day. He is always solution-focused and of very high integrity. He attacks every situation with thoughtfulness and a solution-focused mind all while working with multiple people and personalities.
He is also willing to get all people what they need to help drive the important work. He is a great leader and voice for his colleagues. He jumps in to help wherever needed and spends a great deal of time making data presentable to guide our work. His patience, kind demeanor, and work ethic are commendable.
Ali Salter
4th Grade Teacher
Paul Norton Elementary
Ali goes above and beyond every day. She has a lot of students in her class who have high needs, behaviorally and academically. She comes to work with a positive attitude and is willing to go the extra mile for her students to keep them engaged and make learning fun for them. She works well with all staff members to ensure students' needs are being met. She will take time out of her prep on a daily basis to accommodate student needs and help students be successful.
Ali inspires me daily with how she stays positive. She continues to grind through challenges while teaching a new curriculum and a demanding daily schedule.
The students in Ali's class are very lucky to have her as their teacher.
Mario Sotelo
Technician
Bettendorf High School
Mario is one of the most polite and positive people I have ever worked with. He is the model of service and support. He is so willing to help whenever he can and does everything with a smile. His work ethic is commendable and works tirelessly to make sure all classrooms, staff, and students have what they need. Mario brings the best attitude day in and day out and it is contagious. Thank you Mario for your dedication to BHS.
Mario is an incredible asset to the Technology department. His passion and commitment to serve and support those around him is unsurpassed. Mario’s positive energy and dedication is contagious. I am honored to work and learn alongside him each day.
Carrie Toppert
Special Education Teacher
Bettendorf High School
Carrie has the biggest heart and brings it to everything she does here at BHS. She has been so creative this past year by creating innovative lessons in the classroom. She develops real-life activities and develops a book so that her students can learn content at their appropriate grade levels.
She is always a champion for her teammates and her students. She works extremely hard and wears her heart on her sleeve. She continues to strive to make each day a better day for everyone involved. She consistently looks for ways to improve and find ways to incorporate opportunities for her students.