The Lottery Honors Teachers of the Year for 2004
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell recently announced the five California Teachers of the Year for 2004, one of whom will represent California in consideration for the National Teacher of the Year. The California Lottery has been a long-time sponsor of the California Teachers of the Year program. Sponsorship of this program allows the California Lottery to annually honor outstanding teachers and recognize their commitment to education in California.
California’s five outstanding teachers for 2004 are:
Arthur Coleman, Jr. of Lodi, Hamilton Middle School, Stockton Unified School District, San Joaquin County;
Dawn Imamoto of Davis, Bryte Elementary School, Washington Unified School District, Yolo County;
Paul Lewanski of Santa Ana, Tustin High School, Tustin Unified School District, Orange County;
Paul McLaughlin of Chino Hills, Suzanne Middle School, Walnut Valley Unified School District, Los Angeles County; and
Zenaida Rosario of San Ysidro, La Mirada Elementary School, San Ysidro School District, San Diego County.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell stated, “I chose these five teachers because they are so devoted to the pursuit of helping children get a superb education that they often sacrifice their personal time to help them. Their passion for teaching motivates students to learn and the proof is improved achievement. Their commitment to quality education, rapport with students, and innovative teaching methods make them wonderful role models not only for children, but also for other educators.”
O’Connell nominated Paul Lewanski as the California representative in the National Teacher of the Year program. President Bush will announce the selection of the National Teacher of the Year in the spring of 2004.
The Teachers of the Year program has been in existence for 31 years, and is open to pre-kindergarten through grade twelve teachers at both public and private schools. Traditionally, county offices of education nominate winners of their regional Teacher of the Year competition. A selection committee reviews the candidates’ applications and conducts site visits to evaluate the teachers on a variety of criteria, among them: the teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills, use of appropriate teaching methods, and their ability to adjust to last minute changes. The State Superintendent of Public Education then selects the California Teachers of the Year.
Following are some comments which the finalist teachers made in their applications:
Arthur Coleman: “Learning is limitless.... The trick is getting the student to believe this. This is not something you can tell them. It is something they must experience. First, you tease them with it. Then you offer this huge platter of opportunity. And watch them feast.”
Dawn Imamoto (in reference to her working as a volunteer in a special education class): “I remembered how hard my students had to work just to roll a ball down the bowling alley. As I motivated these kids, I could see a change in their attitude. I felt that my presence made a difference. The smiles on their faces always filled me with joy as they accomplished their goals. It was then that I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and work with children.”
Paul Lewanski: “Educators, for example, can find the common ground that allows students to see how engineering is reflected in art and how art is reflected in the engineering design of cars and buildings thus enhancing student achievement in science, math, and art.... Teachers must help students to see the interconnectedness of what they are learning in order to be able to anticipate the needs of the future.”
Paul McLaughlin: “I still hold on to the belief that teachers are born, not made.... I am fortunate to see many of my former students in all walks of life. To be remembered as having made an impact in their lives is my greatest achievement.”
Zenaida Rosario: “My students believe in themselves because I instill in them their capability of achieving anything they set their minds to. This they know because I have told them that they can and that they are never to give up on achieving their dreams. I give all of my strength to provide them the best learning experience and hope that they take these skills along the years to reach their goals.”
“The selection of these five teachers from a field of 60 very qualified applicants was difficult,” O’Connell stated. “While I’m proud of the hard work of all of the more than 307,000 teachers in California, I am particularly drawn to these finalists because of their exceptional teaching methods and their ability to affect children’s lives so positively through education.”