PASCO, WA – Educational Service District 123 is pleased to announce the newest leaders to our Teaching & Learning Department. Molly Hamaker-Teals has been selected as the new Director of Teaching & Learning, and Kristi Hofheins has been selected as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. Both positions begin July 1st and follow the retirement of Mrs. Teri Kessie who has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning since 2017.
Meet Molly Hamaker-Teals, Director
Molly Hamaker-Teals has served as an educator in the Tri-Cities for the past 26 years, including as a classroom teacher and in her current role as principal at Southridge High School. Ms. Hamaker-Teals holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master’s in Education, along with her superintendent’s credentials.
As Director of Teaching & Learning, Ms. Hamaker-Teals will provide leadership with the ESD 123 Educator Growth and Development team to implement coordinated and intentional supports to help transform schools and districts as they work to improve student learning. Her role focuses on ensuring a cohesive effort that inspires, challenges, prepares and empowers regional and statewide stakeholders to create an equitable education system.
“I am excited to be part of the ESD 123 Educator Growth and development team,” says Ms. Hamaker-Teals. “I look forward to supporting schools and districts as they transform the educational experiences that improve student learning, not by accident, but by design.”
Meet Kristi Hofheins, Assistant Superintendent
Coming to ESD 123 from her current position as Executive Director of Teaching & Learning in the Moses Lake School District, Kristi Hofheins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics, a Master’s in Education, Administration, and her superintendent’s credentials. Ms. Hofheins began teaching in 1995 and has served both in the classroom and in principal and assistant principal roles over the years.
The Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning oversees the division operations, specializing in data analysis, clock hour completion, and teacher certification. Ms. Hofheins will analyze needs assessment data and school improvement plan reviews to identify professional learning opportunities both small and large, ranging from paraeducator trainings to regional and statewide events.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for ESD 123,” Ms. Hofheins says. “I feel fortunate to be able to work alongside the very capable team of professionals at the ESD, as well as, provide support for the 23 districts in the region.”
Ms. Hofheins and Ms. Hamaker-Teals begin their first day in the ESD 123 Teaching & Learning department on July 1, 2022. For more information, contact Molly Curtiss, Director of Communications, at 509-544-5787 or mcurtiss@esd123.org