From left to right: Lewis Chappelear, Gregory McFall,
Tamara Reina,
Andee Aceves, Michael Long,
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell
Andee Aceves
Third Grade
San Altos Elementary School
Lemon Grove School District
One of the little routines I establish in my classroom is to rename all of our assessments Celebrations. I emphasize that assessments show what we have learned and that they are cause for celebration. This takes some of the pressure off students . . . . I want to ignite in my students a desire to learn combined with the proof that they can achieve. — Andee Aceves
In Mrs. Aceves' application for the California Teachers of the Year Program, she wrote: "Unlike many of my colleagues who have always intended to teach and come from a long line of educated family members, I have a different perspective. I know that not all students have equal access to resources. I understand that loving, caring parents cannot always help with homework. I even recognize the strength of the unruly child who comes to school despite the chaos he/she lives in. I was that bright, skeptical, and belligerent child in the class; the student that teachers talked about with disparagement in the teacher's lounge. My personal teaching style reflects a willing acceptance and consideration of skeptical students and their families. I teach to make a difference in their perception of school and to remove those barriers that interfere with learning."
Mrs. Aceves graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She has earned a multiple-subject teaching credential from San Diego State University in 1992, and a Master's degree in math curriculum from San Diego State University in 2003.
She can be reached at the San Altos Elementary School, 619-825-5621.
Lewis Chappelear
Engineering Design
James Monroe High School
Los Angeles Unified School District
When you enter my room, you can't miss the sign on my door that reads, "ATTITUDE = SUCCESS." This is not just a message for my students, but for anyone who walks through my door. Everyone is accountable for success in our schools, each moment filled with hope, pride and determination. It only takes a moment to make a difference. — Lewis Chappelear
In Mr. Chappelear's application for the California Teachers of the Year Program, he wrote: "My first assignment was in Central Juvenile Hall in downtown Los Angeles...I asked where the books were, but there were none. I asked for some paper and pencils, only to find out that the students were not allowed any object that they could use to stab each other, or the teacher. What was I going to do? I spent the day just talking with the kids...They were real, living, breathing human beings who had been through more than I could ever imagine. Finally, I knew that I was able to make a difference; I had a calling. I left that day knowing that I wanted to be a teacher. This was the turning point in my life. I declined my acceptance into UCLA, enrolled in a teacher credentialing program, started a new job as a math and band teacher in Compton, and knew I was on the right path. My students mean the world to me, and I let them know that. This is my biggest accomplishment. I am incredibly grateful to have a job in which I can make such a difference in the world, one big yellow school busload at a time."
Mr. Chappelear earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Boston University in 1994, a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University in 1995, and a California Clear Teaching Credential in math, physics, and electronics in 2001. He received a National Board Certification in 2005.
Mr. Chappelear is California's nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Chappelear can be reached at James Monroe High School, 818-830-4200.
Michael Allen Long
Fourth and Fifth Grades
Carmela Elementary School
South Whittier School District
I decided to put my "test score anxieties" aside and simply teach a balance. I graded papers until my eyes ached. The results were unbelievable. My class became fluid readers and writers, making gains far higher than anticipated. I will never forget the valuable lesson I learned – that teachers should not be paralyzed by unanswered questions. — Michael Long
In Mr. Long's application for the California Teachers of the Year Program, he wrote: "The issue of failing writing scores is not new to public schools in the United States, especially among upper grade students. However, experts are baffled by the fact that students, who are making gains in reading and other aspects of language, simply cannot seem to make the grade when it comes to composition. I believe this trend threatens the geo-political success of our future leaders, and if they are to become globally competitive, they must be able to master the written domain. Technology will change, as will the needs of the job market. The need for competent writers, however, will always exist, increasing simultaneously with the demands of the information age."
Mr. Long earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies in 1994 and Master of Arts degree in Education in 1999, both from Biola University, where he also received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. He received a Cross-cultural Language & Academic Development certificate from the University of San Diego in 2005.
He can be reached at Carmela Elementary School, 562-941-2132.
Gregory McFall
U.S. History
Johnson Middle School
Westminster Elementary School District
I saw this student several years later and he reminded me of how much he learned. At that moment, I thought, People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. As teachers, it is the little things we do that show students we care and it by taking this human approach to teaching that we inspire students to greatness. — Gregory McFall
In Mr. McFall's application for the California Teachers of the Year Program, he wrote: "I feel educators can effectively break the cycle of poverty to equip and prepare students for college and a career. To diminish the effects of poverty in education, teachers must root the community's fundamental ideas into our schools to increase economic opportunities for our students and their parents. We must seek out corporate and community leaders to embrace the school and model cooperation. We must look carefully at the school culture and the school recreational programs, and align our school practices with the positive influences within the community to ensure we are providing educational equity for all students. Only through the mutual relationship of community, district, and school can we break the effects of poverty on education and take steps to guarantee high achievement for all students across the nation."
Mr. McFall earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology at California State University, Fullerton in 1990 and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University in 2007. He received a teaching credential from National University in 1997 and is a Highly Qualified Teacher.
He can be reached at Johnson Middle School, 714-894-7244.
Tamara "Tammy" Reina
English and U.S. History
East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
San Diego County Office of Education
What I bring to them is my appreciation for who they are, a belief in them and a willingness to meet them wherever their current needs may be in order to engage them in a rigorous academic process that will allow them to choose a different path in life. My reward is to witness the shedding of their protective shells. — Tamara Reina
In Ms. Reina's application for the California Teachers of the Year Program, she wrote: "My students are frequently going through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Often times, life in the unit and court dates are reminders of the mistakes they have made and struggles yet to come. My classroom is a place where they cannot only escape the stress of their current situation, but can feel a sense of pride in their academic accomplishments as well as hope in their future. When I watch their eyes begin to light up with hope as opposed to the protective indifference they so often bring with them initially, I know that I must foster and protect that hope, because for these students in the beginning stages, hope is fragile."
Ms. Reina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work at San Diego State University, San Diego in 1992 and a Master of Arts in Education at National University in 2002. She received a multiple subject teaching credential from National University in 1998.
She can be reached at the East Mesa School, 619-671-6560.
