CUSD ANNOUNCES DISTRICT-LEVEL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
On April 23rd, CUSD celebrated the accomplishments of 57 outstanding teachers who were selected by their colleagues to serve as the 2009 Teachers of the Year. Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of the 3 district-level Teachers of the Year who will move forward to compete at the County level, representing the Orange County Department of Education.
Marie Sykes – Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Sykes is an exceptional teacher at Chaparral Elementary School and has served in the profession for the past 17 years. Her principal describes her as a natural born leader who plays a vital part of the school’s professional learning community team. She is a teacher of teachers, providing staff development in Science, Math and Writing and serving as a Capistrano Standards Support Specialist. She has a thirst for knowledge and a desire to continuously improve her practice. Mrs. Sykes does whatever it takes to help her students learn and is an outstanding classroom teacher. Mrs. Sykes entered the teaching profession with the belief that one person can make a difference.
Laurie Cummings – Middle School Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Cummings has served as a middle and high school English Teacher since 1991. Described as a compassionate teacher who kindles a love of reading in her students that lasts a lifetime, Mrs. Cummings can always be counted upon to take on any extra project which will benefit students. This has led to her ability to secure several high level grants and achieve honors such as the California Distinguished School Award for the schools at which she has served. She dedicates herself wholeheartedly to her students, often giving up her lunch to tutor students as well as heading up a Saturday Writing Academy where teachers support at-risk students who struggle with writing. To Mrs. Cummings, failure is not an option and she strives to seek success for every student.
Kati Bennett – High School Teacher of the Year
Energized by the excitement of her students, Mrs. Bennett loves watching them transition from adolescents to adults. Serving in the profession since 1991, Mrs. Bennett is a truly engaging teacher, making real-life connections to learning for her students. Her Assistant Principal describes Mrs. Bennett’s room as a “safe haven” for students, as she dedicates her free time to advising several on-campus clubs and organization, offering a place for students to connect and belong. Priding herself on her ability to foster collaboration and teamwork between teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students, Mrs. Bennett is an outstanding embodiment of the professional learning community concept.
Each of the school site Teachers of the Year were also recognized for their achievements:
Elementary Schools
Ambuehl Jennifer Sullivan
Arroyo Vista Jennah Shmuckler
Barcelona Hills Carol Stafford
Bathgate Heather Jacques
Benedict Marie Clinkinbeard
Bergeson Maria Johnson
Canyon Vista Valerie Robbins
Castille Lisa Jacobson
Chaparral Marie Sykes
Concordia Melanie Garritson
Crown Valley Patty McMahon
R.H. Dana Steve Scholl
R.H. Dana ENF Melissa Lane
Del Obispo Jesus Becerra
Don Juan Avila Melissa A. Molfetta
Hankey Teresa O’Connell
Hidden Hills Julie Lamb
Kinoshita Teri Carney
Ladera Ranch Tiffany Wondra
Laguna Niguel Linda Miller
Las Flores Tami Boelman
Las Palmas Barbara Skelly
Lobo Pamela Reynolds
Malcom Judy Eckrote
Marblehead Ellen Woodward
Moulton Christine Olsen
Oak Grove Wende MacKenzie Lightle
Oso Grande Avonnette Bruce
Palisades Vicki Galloway
Reilly Melissa Corum
San Juan Lynda Regan
Tijeras Creek Joan M. Allen
Viejo Scott Boelman
Vista del Mar Cynthia Johnson
Wagon Wheel Judy Gilmore
George White Steve Lopinto
Wood Canyon Karen Welch
Music Staff Bruce Marcus
Middle Schools
Aliso Viejo Marilyn Haehn
Arroyo Vista Maria Wiesner
Bernice Ayer Susan Borowicz
Don Juan Avila Mandy Berndt
Hankey Nancy Strome
Ladera Ranch Julie Whetzel
Las Flores Laurie Cummings
Marco Forster Carol Cooper-Ajibabi
Newhart James Wenk
Niguel Hills Michael Schreiman
Shorecliffs David Hennings
Vista del Mar Mark Yanaura
High Schools
Aliso Niguel Kati Bennett
Capo Valley Sage Marie Sprankle
Dana Hills Rebecca Kromer
San Clemente Jeffrey Spear
San Juan Hills Darcie Stress
Tesoro Patrick Harnett
Serra Sue Ogden
