Connie Baumgardt Blackburn was awarded the distinguished "Exceptional Educator" award by State Controller Steve Westly on November 22, 2003.
Ms. Baumgardt Blackburn is a veteran teacher whose service to students spans over 25 years. For the past 17 years, she has been a kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary in Escondido where she has made a tremendous impact in the early childhood development of her students. Her goal every year is to be the best teacher her students have ever had and she accomplishes this by striving to always find unique ways to engage, encourage and inspire students to learn.
One unique way Ms. Baumgardt Blackburn has captured her students' interest and attention is through "themed lessons." "Themed lessons" often require this remarkable teacher to dress up according to the subject that she is teaching. Each lesson is crafted to be a multi-tasked, hands-on learning experience to challenge each student's strengths and improve areas of weakness.
The Lottery's "Exceptional Educator" Award is not the only award to be presented to Ms. Baumgardt Blackburn, as Controller Steve Westly explains, "Connie is such a dynamic teacher, it's no wonder why she has been selected as one of California's Teachers of the Year for 2003."