Sheila Tenney
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
School: Glen Park Elementary School
School District: San Francisco Unified School District
City, State: San Francisco, CA
Support Sheila
Leave a comment
Get Updates
Sheila Tenney was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.
This pandemic has truly changed a lot of things for families and children. Mrs. Tenney has been a strong advocate for the children of Glen Park and their families. She's generous of heart, genuinely loving and warm, and a passionate educator.
"If I could give her an award for best teacher ever, I would! She’s truly one of a kind," said the nominator. "I became sick with COVID last year. Mrs. Tenney made sure my daughter kept learning and was taken care of during a pandemic and distance learning. Above that, she checked on me often, sent dinner to our home, and offered to be a point of contact if I needed to go to the hospital. I don’t know many people who would go this far above and beyond for their students and families. She’s truly such an extraordinary person."
I have seen the hard work and hours my mom has worked both inside the classroom and out. Some days are challenging, but through it all she is always there for her students and their families. Whether she is taking phone calls from parents on random nights despite having a long day, going above and beyond to advocate for her students’ success, or supporting and standing up for her fellow colleagues at meetings or in front of officials, my mom is truly selfless. She inspires me every day. I can see the impact she makes in the classroom and out. She is a fearless educator, mother, and human being.
Ms. Tenney is the best! We were so fortunate to have her teach both of our children! She is an exceptional, caring teacher who, while navigating a global pandemic provided excellent education for our children. She brings out their creativity and inspires them to learn. We are so grateful. She is very deserving!
Yipppeeee Sheila.
Congratulations
I’ve known Sheila since before she even had children of her own. Her passion for children is unmeasurable. She inspires me, and others by simply being herself. Any student who has her for a teacher is truly blessed.
My son is currently in Miss Tenney’s class and he loves going to school every morning - “because she makes you feel at home”. I love how she makes learning fun and inspiring for the kids and how she makes sure, that every single child feels welcomed. We are so lucky, that our son has the opportunity to learn from her.
Ms. Tenney is truly wonder-full. She instills in kids a love of reading, critical thinking, dialogue, diversity of cultures, arts, and community. She is energetic, she is fun, she is ever-generous and thoughtful, and she is inclusive (by nature, not by duty.) And just when you think you've seen it all, she jumps up and leads an Irish folk dance or feeds us all her classic homemade stew at a local campground! So much joy. Thank you Ms. Tenney, for your presence, heart, and tireless dedication to our kids' learning and our community's well being. We love you and we appreciate you. You have been a life changer for our family.
Ms. Tenney is wonderful! Our family feels so lucky to be spending a second year with a kid in her dynamic and inclusive classroom.
Ms. Tenney is an engaged and loving teacher. Each kid in her class knows that they are cared for. And, as so many others have said, that love extends out of the classroom. There was a day when my daughter and I had planned to meet halfway between school and our house. I was walking down and was surprised to see Ms. Tenny walking with my daughter. It turned out that my daughter had a hard time at school with a friend-Ms. Tenney didn't want her to walk home upset, and wanted to take a minute to talk with me. What a gem!!
My daughter had the privilege of having Ms. Tenney as a teacher and mentor during the challenging 2020-2021 school year. She was the definition of compassion and care! I loved days when I could be home and watch her work with my daughter and the rest of the class as she provided inspiration for writing, brought in excellent resources to the screen and hosted dance breaks. Ms. Tenney was supportive to my child and our family, always offering time to listen and assistance without constraints. We are lucky and grateful to have her as part of our Glen Park school community!
I consider it a privilege to know Sheila Tenney.
As the teacher of my eldest child, Ms. Tenney is a phenom at deepening his written and verbal communication skills, helping him develop empathy, and nurturing his intellectual and emotional growth. She sees each child as a whole person and has an integrated approach to education. Her expectations are high and she has the ability to help her students succeed in meeting those expectations. She celebrates her students’ accomplishments and this leads to a love of learning and joy in attending school. Sheila’s fierce love of her students is apparent to all as is her work to create a safe space for each child to be their best.
Ms Tenney’s commitment is not just to the child in her classroom but also to her students’ families. She was available for a nighttime zoom call to listen to our concerns, share with us astute observations of our child and support us in our partnership with her in the education of our son.
In my work as a member of our Parent Teacher Organization, I rely on Ms.Tenney for her honest feedback and clear sense of how our organization can support our students, educators and families. Her focus on equity is at the forefront of her work and is demonstrated in her practices.
My life has been changed for the best by knowing Ms. Sheila Tenney. Congratulations, Sheila, for this well-deserved recognition of the positive impact you have on so many people in our Glen Park School community and beyond.
Ms Tenney is a fantastic teacher! She helped our son (and so many other kids) get through COVID and remote learning in an exceptionally compassionate and engaging way. Thank you for everything you do!
Ms. Tenney is a teacher that truly cares about her students. We share students and she is such a go-getter with inclusive practices; making sure that all students are treated fairly and equitable. She puts no limits or boundaries for any student and always encourages each child to do the best that they can. She is fun, energetic, kind, and keeps it "real" with her students.
Ms. Tenney epitomizes what this award recognizes. She has made me better as a teacher, a parent and a human being. During my first days at Glen Park when I was navigating a new school, a new classroom and a new district she was always the person I could turn to for meaningful advice and a shoulder to lean on. She has always been an inclusive partner, helping me to create a myriad of ways to ensure that my Autism-focused classroom is fully included in our school community. She modeled what it meant to be a teacher in a world turned upside down from the very first days of the COVID-19 pandemic, through returning safely to hybrid learning and now this year, as we traverse the joys and challenges of being back in the school building after too many months away. She is one of the strongest advocates I know, and such a genuinely good person. She is a gifted teacher, and our school community is so lucky to have her.
Although not my daughters home teacher she is really lucky to have Mrs Tenney as well. All the kids love her ! She has also turned my daughter into a Giants fan much to my delight . I hear nothing but great things about Mrs Tenney from both kids and they’re Parents or Gaurdians. It’s people like herself that make GP Elementary a great community.
Ms. Tenney truly cares about her students needs. During the pandemic, she spoke up and advocated that children of all backgrounds were receiving the assistance needed to excel in school.
Thanks for your dedication, Ms. Tenney
A few years ago I was at school when I received a phone call with some bad news about my health. Sheila was teaching third grade at the time, and she was also principal for the day. She dropped everything as soon as she heard the news and was the first person to find me and comfort me. I will never forget that. Sheila's mom was actually my Kindergarten teacher, and Sheila's daughter happened to be in my second grade class at the time. So while I was on medical leave, she checked in on me and even sent me videos from her mom and her daughter just to say hello and check-in on me! It meant so much to me. She is a wonderful teacher, colleague, and friend. Thank you, and Congratulations Sheila!
Sheila I’m so proud of you! I knew you were and are a life changer all along!
We are a new family to Glen Park... and not only new to the school, but new to San Francisco - relocating from Canada where we have been living the last 12 years. Ms. Tenney called me on the Wednesday before the start of the academic year. She wanted to introduce herself and welcome our family into the community and check to see if there was anything she could do to facilitate this very BIG transition for us. I was floored! Tommy is my third child, and in all our previous school experience this was the first of its kind. The fact that Ms. Tenney reached out gave us such ease and let us feel more confident about entering a new school - new community! It was above and beyond - Thanks for that Ms. Tenney!
I would like to chime in:) I see Sheila as a passionate advocate for student well- being, a creative and motivated teacher, as well as a lovely colleague with a great sense of humor.
Sheila, You are an inspiring colleague, person, and teacher. Your integrity and wholistic love of children is evident everyday in the halls and on the yard. The kids who pass through your classroom before they come to mine in 5th grade have such great memories, stories, and skills. Congratulations on your just do. Chris
Shelia
Words cant describe the love and respect my children and I have for you. Amazing teacher, soul and friend. You have always been so supportive and a positive influence on Jr and Janessa. Hands down, favorite teacher! We love you!
Hi,Ms.Tenny I remember when I was in 4th grade you use to always would say When have to do something almost the end of school! I know it was hard doing both zoom and real life school even wearing a mask it was always hard so maybe this year would be awesome ??
Sheila,
Thank you so much for being such an all-around amazing person and teacher. You go well above and beyond for students and families. The world and Glen Park is that much more awesome because of you!
