Tina Gullberg Wins Acalanes Classified Employee of the Year

By Reid Aldrich, Online Managing Editor

// The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) presented Attendance Clerk and Health Technician Tina Gullberg with the honor of Acalanes Classified Employee of the Year on Feb. 15. Gullberg serves not only as the school’s attendance system operator but also offers a comforting face to students entering school.

The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) presented Gullberg with the honor of Acalanes Classified Employee of the Year on Feb. 15.

For an employee to qualify for the award, they must have worked continuously within the district for at least three years, demonstrated effective communication skills, and an interest in constant professional improvement and development to their site or office.

Despite only working at Acalanes for a short period, Gullberg has impacted many colleagues who recommended her as worthy of this award.

“For the last three years, we have wanted to nominate Ms. Gullberg for the Classified Employee of the Year, but she just had not met the year requirement. She is the front of the house. When anybody comes to the front of Acalanes, they are going to be interacting with Tina Gullberg and she treats them with kindness and a smile and true connection,” Principal Eric Shawn said.

After being granted the award, Gullberg appreciated her acknowledgment of her work and the effort she put into her position.

“It feels amazing to be recognized for the work that I do here at Acalanes, work that I love doing,” Gullberg said.

Reflecting on her work, she also thanks those around her who have taught her and supported her throughout her career, especially as she took on a new position.

“I am surrounded by coworkers who support and encourage me on a daily basis. Nurse Citron, especially the Health technician job, can be somewhat stressful, and because of her, I have gained valuable experience to help me feel more comfortable,” Gullberg said.

Many other students and staff notice her comfort in her role and recognize the importance of the relationships she builds with students.

“We strive ourselves as a school that each student has at least one adult that they feel connected to and can help them feel a sense of belonging and trust with the school, and Tina is that person for so many kids … We have students who come back after they graduate to come visit the attendance office just to say hello to her and keep her up-to-date on some of the great things that they have moved on to do because she encouraged them and created that safe space for them to feel included,” Shawn said.