Ronni Bassett is an invaluable member of the Whitehead Elementary School staff who works with countless students daily to grow as readers.

Bassett grew up in Post Falls, Idaho, as one of seven children. She was the middle child as the fourth born among four other sisters and two brothers. The Bassett family moved to Esparto when Ronni was in eighth grade.

She attended Esparto High School and was an avid volleyball player. Bassett not only suited up for the Spartans but also played for the Dynamix Volleyball Club, previously known as Club Woodland Volleyball.

Bassett attended community college after graduating from Esparto. She split time between American River College in Sacramento and Woodland Community College, graduating from the latter in 2013 with an Associate’s degree.

Bassett graduated from Sacramento State two years later with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. She remained in the home of the Hornets for one more year and received a multiple subjects teaching credential in 2016. During the 2015-16 school year, Bassett taught as a student teacher at Freeman Elementary School.

Soon after, Bassett began her teaching career at Whitehead Elementary School in Woodland.

“I started in second grade, and then I moved down to kindergarten where I stayed for five years,” Bassett recalled. “This year I recently moved into the ‘title one’ teacher position which is a state funding where they give schools money and the schools can use that many to support students. Whitehead uses the money to have an extra teacher to support students.”

Bassett explained that as an intervention teacher, she works with first through fourth grade students at Whitehead who have struggled with literacy comprehension.

“Essentially I pull groups of between five to eight students, 30 minutes a day,” Bassett explained. “I service about 55 students.”

As a former kindergarten teacher, Bassett enjoys working with several of her former students.

“My favorite part is I service almost all of my former students. It’s always nice seeing my students again and them seeing me in a different light,” Bassett said. “That’s my most enjoyable part is seeing the students. I never really saw them once they turned to secondary school since they’re on the other side of the school.

“I do love being able to work with students in small groups. It’s much more personal. I’m able to really hone in on what skills they’re missing and I’m able to really help them in more of a small group setting where it’s more relaxing for them. Seeing their personalities come out in small groups is really fun.”

Bassett teaches the students how to improve their individual literacy with a program named “SIPPS,” which stands for “Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Sight Words.” Once her students have completed the SIPPS books, they read non-fiction novels. Bassett said her favorite genre of books are about history.

Robyn Miller currently serves as the interim principal at Whitehead.

“Ronni is always looking out for all students and wanting them to achieve their best and meet their academic goals,” Miller stated. “She is patient and supportive with the students and also helps the staff.”

Miller appreciates how Bassett goes above and beyond for her school.

“Ronni volunteers to help with many extra projects and activities including assemblies and awards. She is also an amazing Teacher In Charge (TIC) at our school and has been asked to be in charge many times this year,” Miller stated. “We thank Ronni for keeping Whitehead moving forward all year with all the many changes and challenges.”

Outside of the classroom, Bassett is married to a first responder. Bassett and her husband have two sons, 4-year-old Axel and 2-year-old Otto. Bassett enjoys going to the park with her family. The Bassett family are big automotive fans and enjoy riding dirt bikes on their property.

Bassett also likes spending time with her mom, Jodie Treat, who lives locally and formerly ran a daycare in Esparto.

“I love being a teacher,” Bassett proclaimed. “I love the community that I serve.”