CONTACT: Julie Hatchel
Chief Communications Officer
(949) 234-9427
jhatchel@capousd.org
DATE: May 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CUSD TEACHERS OF THE YEAR ADVANCE TO FINALS
Capistrano Unified School District Teachers of the Year Laurie Cummings and Marie Sykes were selected by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to move into the final round of the county-level competition. After reviewing Teacher of the Year applications submitted from each of the districts in Orange County, CUSD learned that 2 of the 15 finalists were from the district, a noteworthy accomplishment given the high caliber of teachers entering the competition.
OCDE will announce the top winners in elementary, middle, and high school after final interviews are conducted this coming Monday. A total of 5 finalists from school districts within the county will be competing in each category. “We are not surprised to see our teachers in this position once again,” notes Sherine Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Education. “The teachers in CUSD are extraordinary.”
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 role in the school’s Professional Learning Community team. She is truly 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 truly 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.
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 time 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.
