Five local Los Angeles Unified teachers are among the 10 who will be recognized by the district on Monday as finalists for the county's Teacher of the Year award.
Ten district teachers are among 66 overall who are vying for countywide honor. They'll be recognized at a ceremony in Universal City Monday, where the Los Angeles County Office of Education will announce the "Sweet 16" -- outstanding teachers considered the "best of the best" in the county. Those 16 then qualify for California Teacher of the Year.
We'll let you know who advances on Monday.
The local LAUSD nominees are:
Christine Blackwell of Torrance, who has taught second grade at 232nd Place Elementary School in Carson for 12 years.
Zitlalpilli Luna has taught eighth grade science at Curtis Middle School in Carson for four years.
Shari Siegler of Playa Del Rey, who's been teaching for 31 years. She has taught English/Reading Adult Independent Studies for ninth-12th graders at Westchester/Emerson Community Adult School for 22 years.
Tracey Washington has taught social/emotional development, gross motor, and literacy to preschoolers at Gardena Early Education Center for 11 years.
Efrain Nava of Carson has taught band and instrumental music at Dana Middle School in San Pedro for nine years.
Glad to see that Efrain has made it so far. I work with him, and what he does with the Dana Band is amazing!!!
Glad to see that Efrain has made it so far. I work with him, and what he does with the Dana Band is amazing!!!