Mazel Tov Abbie and the Villanueva Family!

Abbie Villanueva, a fourth grade and grade level lead teacher at Pinecrest Academy Inspirada, recently achieved recognition by the Master Teacher program. The program, now completing its inaugural year, recognizes teachers for exemplary instructional practice; maintaining positive relationships and communication with parents, students and teachers; helping students grow academically and socially; working collaboratively with colleagues; and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow as a scholar.

Once nominated, teachers go through a rigorous process including observations, self reflection, and preparation of a teaching portfolio. Teachers are then asked to present their portfolio and video sample, highlighting a classroom lesson, to a review board which includes administrators from each Pinecrest campus. The panel determines if the teacher is qualified to represent Pinecrest as a Master Teacher. Abbie joins this year's Master Teachers in being honored at a Gala to be held at Green Valley Ranch.

Abbie is just finishing her 10th year of teaching, spending the last two years at Pinecrest in the Inspirada community. Pinecrest Academy of Nevada is a STEAM, tuition-free public charter school, which currently includes four campuses located throughout Henderson. In April, Abbie, who graduated from UNLV, received a Gifted and Talented Endorsement Certificate from Southern Utah University.

Abbie began her teaching career at Midbar Kodesh Temple, first as a classroom aide, and then as a preschool teacher. She has worked with Midbar's children as a Kadima advisor, religious school teacher and most recently with b'nei mitzvah students and their families in helping to plan their receptions at Midbar Kodesh Temple. Other simcha receptions are also under her care. Abbie also initiated Midbar's very successful Club Kehillah program for families with young children. Abbie, daughter of Midbar Kodesh Temple members Ileen and Randy Spoor, is married to MKT board member Marco Villanueva and is mother to Corinne and Lainee. Abbie and Marco expect their third child in September.