Los Angeles County Office of Education
09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2024 18:14
16 Educators Named 2024-25 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year
16 Educators Named 2024-25 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year
Fri Sep 20 00:00:00 PDT 2024
Sixteen educators were honored today as the 2024-25 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year during the 43rd Annual Teachers of the Year Awards banquet at the Universal Hilton Hotel.
The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Program, the largest of its kind in the state and nation, is part of the oldest and most prestigious recognition program for public school educators in the U.S. These 16 outstanding teachers will now move on to represent L.A. County in the California Teachers of the Year competition this fall, joining other top educators from across the state
"Our teachers are the heart and soul of our schools," said Dr. Debra Duardo, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools. "Their passion for education, creativity in the classroom, and deep dedication to their students make an immeasurable impact. They remind us every day why teaching is the foundation of a strong community."
Recognized as the county's top public-school teachers for the academic year, these 16 educators represent the very best of the profession, setting the standard for their 73,000 colleagues countywide. Each honoree will receive a $1,000 cash award from the California Credit Union, the program's platinum sponsor.
"At California Credit Union Foundation, we understand the profound impact teachers have on empowering our communities. We are honored to recognize the dedication and passion of educators who go above and beyond as the platinum sponsor of the 2024 LA County Teachers of the Year program," said California Credit Union Foundation President Marvel Ford. "The Foundation's mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our communities, and there is no question that education is the cornerstone of a healthy community. We congratulate these outstanding teachers and thank them for their commitment to inspiring a culture of lifelong learning."
The 16 honorees were chosen from a highly competitive pool of 69 teachers representing 65 school districts. All participants had already been named Teacher of the Year by their respective school districts.
As part of the rigorous selection process, nominees submitted essays, lesson plans, and other materials, and were interviewed by judging panels consisting of past California Teachers of the Year. The contest at all levels seeks to spotlight teaching excellence and recognize exemplary dedication, innovative classroom practices, and significant contributions to the profession.
The state will announce the five California Teachers of the Year in October. One of those will go on to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition next year.