Each year, one teacher and one support staff employee are recognized for their outstanding contributions to education and the Chagrin Falls Schools. The employees selected are representative of the quality of the teaching staff and the support personnel. Recipients of these awards were nominated by peers, students, parents and others, and selected by a committee representative of these groups. They were presented with gifts from the PTO. 

Lisa Salyers Named 2026 Teacher of the Year at Chagrin Falls Schools

Chagrin Falls Schools is proud to recognize Lisa Salyers as the District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement came during the District’s Back to School Convocation on August 12, when Amanda Rassi, principal of Chagrin Falls High School surprised Salyers with the honor in front of her colleagues.

Salyers, a longtime science teacher at Chagrin Falls High School, was selected following nominations from fellow staff members, who described her as an educator known for her passion for science, high expectations, dedication to students and deep connection to the Chagrin Falls Schools community.

Several colleagues spoke not only from the perspective of working alongside Salyers, but also as parents whose own children have learned in her classroom.

“Lisa inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning in all her classes,” one colleague wrote. “She has taught both my sons and now my daughters and they have all thought she is an amazing teacher!”

Her colleagues also recognized Salyers for creating a classroom where challenging coursework is paired with patience, support and engaging learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, field trips, dissections and thoughtful instruction, she finds ways to make complex science concepts meaningful for her students.

One staff member reflected on Salyers’ willingness to give students the time they need to succeed, recalling her commitment to providing extra help before school and reviewing difficult material one-on-one.

Others praised the balance Salyers brings to her classroom. She expects students to work hard and think for themselves while making sure they know she is there to help them through the process. Her approach encourages students to develop confidence, independence and the ability to work through challenges rather than simply being given an answer.

Her influence also reaches well beyond a single class or school year. Colleagues shared stories of Salyers teaching multiple children from the same family, supporting former students and building relationships throughout the school community during her many years with the District.

One nomination described the positive influence Salyers has had on Chagrin Falls Schools for more than three decades, noting the “joy, safety, purpose, care, laughter, and discipline” she has brought to students, colleagues and the community.

Taken together, the nominations describe an educator whose impact can be measured not only by what students learn in her science classroom, but also by the confidence, perseverance and curiosity they develop along the way.

“Lisa represents what is so special about teaching in Chagrin Falls,” said Rassi. “She challenges students to think deeply, encourages them to persevere when learning is difficult and, most importantly, makes sure they know she believes in them. The words shared by her colleagues speak volumes about the respect she has earned and the influence she has had throughout her career. We are incredibly proud to recognize Lisa as our 2026 Teacher of the Year.”

Robin Hoover Named 2026 Staff Member of the Year

Chagrin Falls Schools announced Robin Hoover as the District’s 2026 Staff Member of the Year during its Back-to-School Convocation on August 12. Hoover was recognized for the care, energy and dedication she brings to the District’s preschool program at Gurney Elementary School and for the meaningful connections she creates with students and families.

Hoover’s impact was evident in the many nominations submitted on her behalf. Staff members shared stories from families describing a preschool educator who makes children feel welcomed, valued and excited to come to school each day.

“Miss Robin is a smiling, shining light every single morning with her preschoolers,” one nomination stated. “You can find her with a lap full of children while she is reading them a book or find her spinning around outside being silly. She is all in.”

That willingness to be “all in” was a common theme throughout the nominations. Hoover is known for getting down on a child’s level to welcome them, playing tag and hide-and-seek on the playground, sledding down the hill with students, playing their favorite music and helping transform the classroom to bring learning themes to life.

Her commitment to students also extends well beyond the school day. Nominators shared examples of Hoover attending preschoolers’ soccer and basketball games on her own time, remembering details about students and their siblings, and finding personal ways to make children know they are important to her.

“Robin is able to make each kid feel welcome and special,” another nomination read. “She adapts her interactions to meet the needs and preferences of the kids so each one has a connection.”

For families whose children may initially be apprehensive about preschool, Hoover’s patience and warmth have helped make Gurney feel like a second home.

“Ms. Robin brings care and warmth to the preschool classroom,” one nomination stated. “Once an apprehensive preschooler, her warmth has helped him blossom and run into school every day with a smile on his face.”

Another nominator recognized Hoover for the individual attention she provides to students with different learning needs, noting that “her patience, understanding, and willingness to adapt have made a meaningful difference” in one child’s confidence and progress.

Across the nominations, Hoover was repeatedly described as kind, patient, energetic, creative, playful and deeply committed to early childhood education. Whether she is reading with a child on her lap, joining students on the playground or cheering them on at an activity outside of school, Hoover finds ways to make each child feel seen and supported.

“Miss Robin makes my son feel like Gurney is his second home,” one nomination read. “She speaks to kids at their level and makes even the smallest child know how important they are.”

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Penczarski said Hoover exemplifies the important role staff members play in creating a positive first school experience for Chagrin Falls’ youngest learners.

“Robin has an extraordinary ability to make every child feel like they belong,” said Penczarski. “The stories shared by our staff and families speak volumes about the joy, compassion and genuine care she brings to Gurney each day. She understands that for our youngest students, these early experiences help shape how they feel about school and learning. We are incredibly fortunate to have Robin as part of the Chagrin Falls Schools family.”

As one nominator simply put it, “She has the biggest heart and makes every kid feel special.”