“[Her’s] is the first face most people see at [the school],” Metheany said. “She makes us look good from the moment [someone] steps in … ‘How can I help you?’ Always with a positive smile.”

As senior clerical, however, Howard’s responsibilities extend far beyond directing visitors in the office. Her workday begins at 6:45 a.m, and throughout the day her job includes managing substitute teachers, processing attendance for staff, handling mail and office supply orders and maintaining the daily bulletin, among various other jobs.

Gupta describes the 11 years she has taught at MVHS as a growth process in which her main focus is to continuously adapt to changing student needs, especially in regards to learning styles and new technologies.

“I try to address all learning styles, because I’m a visual learner. When someone is speaking to me and it doesn’t make sense, I need a pen and paper,” Gupta said. “And [something similar] must be true for others with different learning styles.”

Part of this adaptation is Gupta’s new video-based approach to teaching, in which she presents what would be traditionally taught through lecture through YouTube videos. Her “flip-teaching” method enables her students to learn the material at home so that they can focus on practicing and working through problems with her in the classroom.

“We don’t teach subjects, we teach kids, and she’s a shining example of that philosophy,” Metheany said. “She has a presence [on campus] and is very active in the school … That speaks volumes to the kind of teacher she is.”

Continuous involvement is a running theme through both Howard’s and Gupta’s work, something Metheany describes as “working outside themselves”.

“I know I can depend on them to do things for the students, parents and fellow staff,” Metheany said. “I appreciate that and I think the school does too.”

Howard and Gupta will be honored at a Board of Trustees meeting at MVHS on March 12.