Before I begin, I’m proud to announce that for the first-time in the history of the California teacher of the year awards, we will be able to bring all of tonight's celebration to an audience beyond this room.
Thanks to our partnership with Comcast you and your families and friends will be able to watch tonight's celebration including interviews with our honorees and special guests starting March 5th on Comcast on demand in northern California.
I’d like to also thank our dedicated sponsors, who are essential partners in education and who make this recognition dinner possible.
Let’s give a big thank you to our corporate and organization sponsors, especially the California teacher of the year foundation.
Will all our sponsors please stand?
It is such a wonderful experience to be able to honor such incredible teachers – and to acknowledge all of you who believe as I do, that all children can learn, that all children can succeed.
You were selected through probably the most arduous selection process in the country – and, I am proud to say, you faced a lot of stiff competition from many, many remarkable teachers in this state.
All of you were chosen because your passion for teaching motivates students to learn.
Your commitment to quality education, rapport with students, and innovative teaching methods have led to improved student achievement.
You have been able to reach your students and engage them in learning through insight, innovation, and imagination.
So, congratulations to our 2008 teachers of the year:
Andee Aceves teaches third grade at San Altos Elementary School in Lemon Grove in the Lemon Grove School District (San Diego County).
Raised by non-English speaking grandparents, Mrs. Aceves brings to the classroom a valuable perspective that allows insight and a better understanding of her students' needs, abilities, and challenges.
Lewis Chappelear teaches engineering design at James Monroe High School in North Hills in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).
I’m honored to recognize Mr. Chappelear not only as one of California's best teachers, but also as one of America's finest as I nominated him for the nation's top tribute. He challenges his students to think about the future, then takes them out into the community and shows them what it will take to achieve their goals.
Michael Alen Long teaches a combination fourth and fifth grade at Carmela Elementary School in Whittier in the South Whittier School District (Los Angeles County).
Mr. Long is an extraordinary teacher who puts in long hours both in and out of the classroom as he instills in his students a love and respect for education, especially for the written word.
Gregory McFall teaches U.S. history at Johnson Middle School in Westminster in the Westminster Elementary School District (Orange County).
Mr. McFall truly believes in his students and in their ability to succeed, and he is committed to finding what works for his students with limited social and cultural experiences and building upon their accomplishments, one success at a time.
Tamara "Tammy" Reina teaches English and U.S. history at East Mesa School in San Diego in the San Diego County Office of Education.
Ms. Reina is not only an outstanding, thoroughly committed teacher, she is mentor, counselor, confidante, and, sometimes, parent to young men - many of whom are serious juvenile offenders.
All teachers in California should be proud to have you represent them, and parents and students grateful for your dedication.
As our teachers know, we have many challenges ahead, but none greater than the achievement gap that exists between white students and students of color, as well as gaps with English learners, poor students, and students with disabilities.
In my State of Education Address last month, I laid out a number of proposals to help close the achievement gap.
The proposals include:
- Consolidating our preschool system and using new preschool frameworks to improve early education;
- Aligning all four systems of public education;
- Placing a greater focus on racial and cultural issues in our school system;
- Expanding our accountability system;
- Trying out a new pilot partnership between Long Beach and Fresno USD; and
- Building an information system to track student progress and achievement.
After over a year of examining idea after idea, I came to the conclusion that there is no single right answer or any type of silver bullet for closing the achievement gap.
What I can tell you is that we have a moral, social and economic imperative to close the achievement gap, but as long as we have people like tonight’s honorees in the classroom, I’m confident we will succeed.
Once again, thank you to our gracious and generous sponsors and congratulations to California’s Teachers of the Year for 2008!
And remember to catch the California Teacher of the Year awards highlight program starting March 5th on Comcast Video on Demand!
