In this Staff Spotlight, we are thrilled to share about Tammy Pruden, an incredible 2nd-grade teacher at Linell K. Walker Elementary. Tammy has been a part of the Fortuna Elementary School District for an impressive 31 years. Tammy’s mother was an elementary school teacher for 37 years, inspiring Tammy to follow the same path. 

Throughout her career, Tammy has taught 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grades, spending the majority of her time (26 years!) in 2^nd grade, where she’s built strong bonds with students, families, and colleagues. Tammy’s passion for education goes beyond academics; she’s known for her generosity and dedication to making everyone feel welcomed and valued. She takes care of the school’s social scene, bringing extra thoughtfulness to special occasions and always looking for ways to improve and innovate for her students' success.

One of Tammy’s favorite parts of teaching is witnessing her students' joy and wonder as they discover reading. She loves helping them unlock the magic of books and showing them how reading can open doors and change lives. Tammy’s students share that Mrs. Pruden loves to dance and leads the class in “dance breaks”!

A fascinating fun fact about Tammy is that her great-great-great-great-grandfather’s house was the final stop on the Underground Railroad, now a National Historic Landmark! Another fun fact is that she and the other Staff Spotlight recipient this month from Walker share a love for the same kind of ice cream: black licorice!

Thank you, Tammy, for the countless ways you make Walker Elementary a welcoming, inspiring place for all!