Latest news with #TeachersoftheYear
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alameda County Office of Education names 18 ‘Teachers of the Year' for 2025
(KRON) — The Alameda County Office of Education is honoring 18 public school teachers who were selected as '2025 Teachers of the Year.' ACOE serves as liaison between the California Department of Education and 18 public school districts with more than 215,000 students and 12,000 honorees are being recognized for their individual dedication and excellence in the classroom this school year. 'I am deeply inspired everyday by our educators who work tirelessly in service of our students,' said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro. 'I am very excited to recognize this year's Teachers of the Year, and uplift their hard work and dedication.' An awards ceremony will be held in September at Hayward Performing Arts Center. Esperanza Jimenez: Valley View Elementary School, 5th Grade Dual Language Immersion, Pleasanton Unified School District Krista Toumi: Roosevelt Middle School, 6th Grade Science, Oakland Unified School District Michael Kramer Wong: Paden Elementary School, 4th & 5th Grades, Alameda Unified School District Nickoletta 'Nicky' Dalby: Jensen Ranch Elementary School, 2nd & 3rd Grades, Castro Valley Unified School District Joy Sherratt: Emerald High School, 9th Grade Health, Dublin Unified School District Sandor Verstrepen: Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School, 8th Grade Physical Education, New Haven Unified School District Arlene Cordero: Newark Middle School, 6-8th Grade Special Education Arthur Hogenauer: Butler Academic Center, 9-12th Grades, Alameda County Office of Education Alyssa Kronick: Oakland International High School, 9-12th Grade Literacy/English Language Development Selina Mandel: Arroyo High School 9-12th Grade Science, San Lorenzo Unified School District Maria De La Fuente Moreno: Esperanza Elementary School, 3rd Grade Dual Immersion, Oakland Unified School District Shelley Matek: Dublin High School and Foothill High School, 11-12th Grade Developmental Psychology of Children John Thayer: Granada High School, 9-12th Grade English Language Development/Math, Livermore Unified School District Elana Siegel: Emery High School, 10-12th Grade World History, Emery Unified School District Varsha Jayadevan: Hopkins Middle School Special Day Class, Special Education, Fremont Unified School District Lori Suydam: Park Elementary School, 1st Grade, Hayward Unified School District Cindy Barry: Robertson High School, 9-12th Grade Business and Professional Development, Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program Rhonda Turner: Jefferson Elementary School 4th Grade, San Leandro Unified School District (Photos courtesy Alameda County Office of Education) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
In surprise ceremony, 'Sra. Fink' from MPS' Milwaukee Spanish Immersion is named a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
Before a gymnasium filled with cheering kids, second-grade teacher Toni Fink finally walked up to the microphone. "I have no secrets. I love all the kids, that's it," Fink said, as she made a heart gesture with her hands. Fink had just been named a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year 2026 in a surprise ceremony at Milwaukee Public Schools' Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School Upper Campus. Like her colleagues and their elementary students at the K4 through fifth-grade school, Fink hadn't been given a reason for the surprise schoolwide assembly on May 14. But the event quickly turned into a celebration with flying confetti and congratulations between tearful colleagues at the school where Fink has taught for over 25 years. "She was a little nervous this morning, everybody, because I think she knew something was different — the energy was different," said Principal Marybell Nieves-Harris. "We are just so happy." Nieves-Harris described what it was like to ask Fink, a longtime fifth-grade teacher, to switch to teaching second grade. "I said to her, 'Sra. Fink, you are so special that we need you at the beginning of second grade so that you can touch the lives of all the children by the time they're in fifth grade,'" Nieves-Harris said. Fink's mother, Pamela Sanicola, was among the group of family and friends who filed onto the school stage as the award was announced. Event organizers had sneaked them into the school without Fink knowing to join the ceremony. Sanicola said the family knew about the award for about a month in advance — and kept it a secret. "We've lied to her so much," Sanicola said. "She thought I was at the doctor's office." Sanicola said her daughter wanted to be a teacher since she was little. Now, she's the type who spends her summers at teacher institutes and exudes passion for the job. 'You would think it was her first day," Sanicola said. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction names five Teachers of the Year annually. For 2026, other award winners teach in Darlington, Mishicot, Sun Prairie and Greenfield. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly traveled from Madison to Milwaukee for the surprise ceremony. Addressing the crowd, she described Fink as a "fierce and caring advocate for her students and their families." As an example, she said that when Fink's students needed winter gear to enjoy recess outside, she decided to create a schoolwide drive for clothing. "While she brings a wealth of experience to her classroom, what makes her so beloved is that she never stops learning, growing and evolving. Her energy is contagious, and her joy for teaching lifts everyone around her," Underly said. Winners this year each receive $3,000 from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. For Fink, that money will be used to upgrade the school science lab. Fink is the fifth Milwaukee Public Schools educator to receive the award since 2020. During the ceremony, MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius greeted the auditorium in Spanish. Then she asked the crowd of young kids to point to their teachers and support staff in appreciation of their work. "I am so impressed by you and your school and all of your amazing teachers here," Cassellius said. Marva Herndon, vice president of the MPS Board of School Directors, praised the immersion school's academics and focus on immersing kids in Spanish. "It is always a pleasure to be in the presence of professionals whose life work, 1, inspires an entire generation, No. 2, adds value to a student's self-worth and image, (and) No. 3 impacts the Milwaukee community through its daily efforts, without accolades," Herndon said. After an interview process, one of the five Teachers of the Year will represent Wisconsin in the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year Program. Along with Fink, other Wisconsin Teachers of the Year for 2026 are: School: Darlington Elementary/Middle School in the Darlington Community School District According to DPI, "Acherman has taught in Darlington since 1994 and is known for his hands-on approach to science education, incorporating field trips, guest speakers, and community partnerships. He also coaches youth and school sports, advises STEM clubs, and helped found the Jim Huston Nature Trail – an outdoor classroom that connects students and the community to nature and science." School: Sun Prairie East High School in the Sun Prairie Area School District "Coyne leads both the Business Leadership Academy and the Sports, Entertainment, and Tourism Marketing Academy at Sun Prairie East. Through his work with Sun Prairie's Business Education Partnership, he has built strong relationships with local businesses and organizations to enhance learning and create leadership opportunities for students to make a difference in their community," DPI said. School: Glenwood Elementary School in the Greenfield School District "Dixon has taught second grade at Glenwood Elementary in the School District of Greenfield for the past 13 years. Known for her passion, advocacy, and leadership, she is deeply committed to empowering both students and fellow educators. Dixon creates academically rich and inclusive classrooms that nurture creativity, curiosity, and kindness. She also holds leadership roles at the district, community, and state levels," DPI said. School: O.H. Schultz Elementary School in the Mishicot School District "Van Hefty has dedicated the past 27 years to serving as a special education teacher at O.H. Schultz Elementary School in the School District of Mishicot. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for inclusive education and student advocacy, building strong, meaningful connections with her students, families, and colleagues. Van Hefty is widely recognized for creating nurturing, student-centered learning environments that foster growth, independence, and confidence," according to DPI. 2024: Claudia Heller de Messer, English as a second language teacher at Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts 2021: Koren Jackson, special education teacher at Milwaukee Transition High School and Susan Richardson, Milwaukee German Immersion School 2020: Chad Spurzel-Wuchterl, art teacher at Reagan High School Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@ Follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teacher from MPS school named one of five 2026 Teachers of the Year
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Former ‘Teacher of the Year' Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexually Abusing Students: 'I Ripped Away Their Childhood'
Former "Teacher of the Year" Jacqueline Ma, 36, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing two of her former students Ma was sentenced on May 8 following her arrest over allegations of grooming and sexual abuse of two young boys in March 2023 "I abused my authority, I exerted my power and control over them, and I deceived them," Ma reportedly said in court before the sentencingA California former sixth-grade teacher has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for sexually abusing two of her young former students. Jacqueline Ma, who was named one of the "Teachers of the Year" in 2022 and taught at the Lincoln Acres Elementary School in San Diego, pleaded guilty in February to two counts of forcible lewd act on a child, one count of lewd act on a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. Ma, 36, was arrested in March 2023 after the mother of one of her former students accused her of sending inappropriate messages to her son. She was sentenced on May 8. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement, 'This defendant violated the trust she had with her students in the most extreme and traumatic way possible and her actions are despicable. Her victims will have to deal with a lifetime of negative effects and her 30-year sentence is appropriate.' 'No child deserves what this defendant did, and I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, their families and the community that was left reeling from this defendant's crimes," the statement continued. The DA stated in a press release that Ma groomed one of her minor students for more than a year before performing sexual acts on him at the age of 12. After the boy's parents didn't allow him to have social media or electronics, Ma set up an 'unsanctioned after-school program and directing him to communicate with her through a school chat application.' The sexual abuse continued in the classroom for three months while the boy's parents were unaware, per the release. In 2020, Ma sexually assaulted another boy aged 11 at the time. She continued to groom both young boys 'with gifts, food and special attention' and 'gained the trust of the parents with her reputation and personal investment in their academic development,' the DA said. Ma began teaching at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in National City in 2013. She was named one of the "Teachers of the Year" by the San Diego County Office of Education for the 2022-2023 school year. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Following her arrest in 2023, prosecutors alleged that Ma sent explicit images to the student and coerced him to send explicit videos back to her. Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Enrique Camarena said in court before the sentencing that the former teacher was 'protected from scrutiny due to her status as an award-winning teacher,' the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Ma also addressed her crimes in court, saying per the outlet, '[I] disgraced the teaching profession. I abused my authority, I exerted my power and control over them, and I deceived them … I ripped away their childhood.' The sentencing comes after Ma also pleaded guilty to allegations of substantial sexual conduct and having multiple victims in February. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mishicot teacher Lisa Van Hefty honored as Wisconsin's 2026 Teacher of the Year
MISHICOT, Wis. (WFRV) – What began as a day off quickly turned into a once-in-a-career moment for Lisa Van Hefty, a dedicated special education teacher at O.H. Schultz Elementary School in Mishicot. On Friday morning, Van Hefty walked into a surprise school assembly only to be named one of Wisconsin's 2026 Teachers of the Year. The recognition was presented by State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly in front of a crowd of students, staff, and her family. Chef from Wisconsin competing on new cooking show co-hosted by Martha Stewart & award-winning chef José Andrés 'When my name was called it just kind of took me back, took my breath away actually,' Van Hefty said. 'Very unexpected. I just do my job.' Van Hefty has spent her entire 27-year teaching career at O.H. Schultz Elementary, advocating for inclusive education and championing the needs of students with disabilities. 'She nailed it—it's about inclusion, it's about making every kid belong,' said Underly. 'Being a special education teacher is a lot of hard work, and Lisa's commitment shows why these roles are so vital.' Fellow teachers praised Van Hefty as a leader and tireless advocate. 'She's here every single day, putting in the fight, loving on these kids, and making our school a better place,' said colleague Brittni Buyeske. Van Hefty says her mission has always been simple: make every student feel valued. Green Bay School Board of Education Trustee resigns, timeline & process to be reviewed 'Just include them. They are people just like us,' she said. 'They want to be seen, they want to be heard, they want to be treated like everyone else. It's our responsibility as citizens and community members to do that for them.' Van Hefty is one of five educators statewide honored with the 2026 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year title. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Munster names Brandt, Boruff top teachers
The School Town of Munster has named Michele Brandt, a 5th grade teacher at Eads Elementary, and Ben Boruff, a Munster High English teacher, as district-level Teachers of the Year. The announcements came at a Celebration of Excellence Education program last month. Students, staff, and families nominated outstanding teachers at each school. The top five nominees from each building were placed on a ballot, allowing voters to select the winners. Other finalists were Matt Brandt, Elliott Elementary; Anna Raczka, Frank Hammond Elementary; and Jill Perez, Wilbur Wright Middle School. Brandt reflected on the honor: 'This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally,' she said. 'On a personal level, it reaffirms the love I have for this work and the belief that strong, compassionate connections with students can truly make a difference. Professionally, it's a humbling reminder of the power of education and the importance of showing up every day with purpose, empathy, and high expectations.' Boruff emphasized the collaborative spirit that defines excellence across Munster's schools: 'Receiving this award is invigorating, and I plan to channel that energy into engaging, innovative experiences for my students. I also want to celebrate the hard work of all secondary teachers and staff in the School Town of Munster.' Brandt and Boruff are eligible to apply to represent the School Town of Munster for the Indiana Teacher of the Year award. The event also celebrated the success of the Munster Education Foundation. Through its efforts, over $60,000 was awarded via 27 grants, resulting in over 6,000 distinct student engagements—reaching practically every one of the district's 4,100 students, often multiple times. These grants have brought innovation, enrichment, and enhanced learning opportunities into Munster classrooms. The School Town of Munster recently honored Michelle Brandt, an Eads Elementary teacher and Ben Boruff, a Munster High English teacher as the district's 'Teachers of the Year.' (Provided/School Town of Munster)
