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2002 Outstanding First-Year Teacher Award
The California Association for Employment in Education (CAEE) recently recognized four first-year teachers in California for their unique and creative contributions to the education profession. The $500 CAEE award was given to one multiple subject teacher and one single subject teacher in Northern and Southern California.
Criteria for the awards included: special accomplishments, unique and creative contributions, highlights of instructional skills, interaction with students, parents and peers, and innovative programs and projects which distinguished the nominee from other first-year teachers.
CAEE links colleges, universities, school systems, students and education professionals to encourage employment in the field of education. CAEE membership consists of school district hiring personnel along with college and university education placement professionals.
The single subject award recipients are:
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Jason Chatham
English 9-10
Rodriguez High School
Fairfield Suisun Unified School District
Dear CAEE Outstanding First-Year Teacher Recognition Award Committee Members:
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Tucker and I would like to nominate first-year teacher, Jason Chatham, for your Outstanding First-Year Teacher Award in the single subject category. I have had the opportunity to know this fine young man in two capacities. I am his mentor teacher within California's BTSA program in our school district, and I have also had the opportunity to have Jason in my class at Chapman University within the teacher credential academic program.
Jason Chatham teaches ninth and tenth grade English at Rodriguez High School. He also teaches the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class at his school and is the school's head baseball coach. Jason is an outstanding teacher. He has demonstrated outstanding lesson planning skills, both short- and long-term, and effectively draws on and values students' backgrounds, interests, and developmental learning needs. This teacher uses materials, resources, and technologies to make subject matter accessible to students. For example, he developed a project in technical writing that required the students to create a technical manual in any area of expertise of their choice. The students then had to create visuals and a presentation to the class to teach the skill or process. The teacher modeled the process with his example of "How to Throw a Curve Ball." I had the opportunity to observe this lesson. All students learned plenty and enjoyed his presentation. In fact, I have observed many of Jason's lessons. He constantly seeks out student opinion and effectively relates his lesson goals, based on state and district standards, to student interests and their lives. Instructional time is always used effectively, and self-directed, reflective learning occurs on a regular basis.
The teacher is a firm believer in interactive strategies and utilizes cooperative groupings often. His standards are high; his students adapt their lives to meet his standards because he is such an outstanding role model and teacher. In all of my weekly visits to his classroom this year, I never observed or heard about any major behavior problem. They simply don't exist, even among his AVID students, many of whom were recommended for the program because they lack motivation or organizational skills in school. The learning environment is always engaging, and a variety of instructional strategies respond to students' diverse needs. Students engage in problem solving and critical thinking, and the climate in the room promotes fairness and respect at all times. I have never observed anything but very professional behavior on Jason's part. I asked students what they thought of Jason as a teacher. Many felt that the class (either English or AVID) was sometimes "hard," but what they liked is that Jason always takes the time to help his students as much as is needed. One student stated: "I used to hate school, but Mr. Chatham has really turned me around. He really cares about his students, and not just in school."
One English Language learner (tenth grader) shared with me that this was the first time in her whole school career that she had enough courage to present in front of the class. She said, "I just had to do it because I didn't want to let Mr. Chatham down." Now THAT'S an amazing tribute.
Jason is highly professional. He has just completed the requirements for his teaching credential with all "A"s at Chapman University. Eventually he plans to pursue his Master's Degree. He works wells with all of his colleagues and takes the time for collaborative planning or sharing. He was asked to present at a faculty meeting because of his expertise in using the Cornell Notes strategy. Jason is also already working at the district level on a Language Arts committee that is working at realignment of state and district standards. Jason sets his own professional goals and works hard to achieve them with acclaim. He is also one to work closely with families to assure student success. This is especially a big component of the AVID program. He dealt beautifully and fairly with a student who plagiarized on an essay. His conversation with the parent of this student was gentle yet firm when discussing the consequences of the action. Both parents and the student easily, therefore, accepted the punishment for the student's action, which I felt was an appropriate consequence.
Students with the AVID program ARE improving and succeeding in their classes as a result of Mr. Chatham's tutoring and advising as evidenced by their grades. The students are gaining strategies that help them succeed in all subject areas as a result of working with their AVID teacher. I had the opportunity to view one of his AVID students teaching in a Spanish class!
Finally, Jason is a popular and loved baseball coach. Students rarely miss games because of Jason's incessant optimism and use of praise. Students are proud to be a member of his team. Even though Jason is happily married and has an adorable little girl, he even takes some weekend time to be with his students. Some students fondly remember the day he went skiing with them, making a fool of himself but having fun with them at the same time.
Finally, Jason has no problem working with "problem students" during summer school. He taught and enjoyed this work last summer and plans to teach summer school again this year. He is a most dedicated teacher and hard worker. It is without reservation that Dr. Tucker and I nominate this exemplary teacher and person for your Outstanding First-Year Teacher Recognition Award. Thank you so much for considering him.
Yours sincerely,
Alexandra L. Burke
"Preparing All Students to be Productive Workers, Lifelong Learners and Responsible Citizens"
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ashley Scott
Biology/Science 9-10
Pacifica High School
Oxnard Union High School District
Walking across campus one day, my assistant principal asked me to write a letter of recommendation to the California Association for Employment in Education, an association that recognizes superior first-year teachers. Without even telling me the teacher she had in mind to nominate, immediately one new teacher on our campus appeared in my mind. Of course this turned out to be the same teacher: Ashley Elizabeth Scott. Ashley exemplified what real teaching is all about. Her enthusiasm for her discipline--Science--has changed our students from thinking science is looking at pictures in a textbook and answering questions, to comprehending that science is the cornerstone of understanding the world around them. Watching Ashley work this year and seeing exactly how she has transformed so many of her students' attributes has been remarkable. Her uniqu4e and creative style is the magnet that draws the students toward her.
To understand why Ashley is uniquely qualified to be recognized for this award, is to first understand the unique environment of Pacifica High School. PHS is a brand new school. We have been named as a performing arts magnet, not only within our school district, but for Ventura County. As a district, administration, and staff, we have many challenges in getting the standard comprehensive aspect of this school up and functioning, and of course added challenges with the fine arts as a focal point. We also have many first-year teachers on staff. Pacifica High is 86% Hispanic; we have a 54% Free and Reduced Lunch population, which qualifies us to be a Title I school; and we have only freshmen and sophomores. Without the presence of traditions and routines firmly in place, even we veteran teachers have felt like new teachers again! Embracing all these challenges, Ashley has set a new mark for first-year teachers.
Ashley teaches all standard classes. For five periods a day, she teaches biology and science to children who face many academic challenges. Serving as the PARIBTSA support teacher this year, I have had the opportunity to work with Ashley on many levels. I have also watched her teach her lessons and have observed first hand how the students respond to her in a "live" teaching situation. Ashley plans and utilizes every minute of every period effectively. Students are responsive to her routine; they know exactly what is expected of them academically and socially. Her students work collaboratively and support one another during the course of her lessons. Ashley's classes run smoothly, quickly, and effectively; all good teachers know the level of planning and design it takes to operate a classroom like this.
The heart of Ashley's teaching is her passion and love of science. Her desire is to make science alive and relevant for her students each day. She wants them to unlock the mysteries of life and find joy in hands-on experimentation and discovery learning. As a first-year teacher, Ashley's ability to design a lesson and foster true discovery learning is amazing. She puts hours of thought into, through, and beyond each lesson prior to teaching that lesson. She anticipates areas in which the students may need extra guidance and makes adjustments without impeding their own discovery. Ashley designs all her lessons out of the content standards for science. she knows and adheres to our district objectives. She follows the California Standards for the Teaching Profession as well. She also incorporates standards from across the curriculum. When I walk into her classroom or help her with an element in her professional portfolio, all her knowledge and work is evident in her lesson plans and outcome of student work.
One lesson in particular that stands out in terms of unique design and creativity is her lesson on ecology. She designed a lesson that required the students to research the city of Oxnard and accrue various ecological data. Using technology and current events to gather information on the climate, agriculture, population tourism, beaches, rainfall, plant life, animal life, local businesses, and pollution, Ashley then introduced an ecological problem. One example of a problems is: there will be an introduction of the Komodo Dragon to Oxnard. How will this impact the environment? Using the data they gathered, the students predicted how the problem would affect their home. As a culminating activity, each student wrote Governor Davis a letter discussing the probable environmental impact of the problem. The students assumed the persona of a scientist/researcher (Ashley calls all her students her little scientists), and related all the information they learned to the Governor. Ashley created a lesson that fostered the students' knowledge of proper letter writing (language arts standards), real world experience, content knowledge, critical thinking skills, direct application of science standards, and as her little scientists will tell you, fim! This one lesson is the standard for all Ashley's lessons, whether she is teaching genetics, evolution, the flow of electricity, the magnetic field, volcanic flows, or current events in science.
Outside the classroom, Ashley is amazing as well. As a first year teacher, she coached three sports. In the fall, she was the head coach for the girls' cross-country team. In the winter, she coached the girls' JV soccer team to an 11-5 season. This is remarkable for a new school! This spring she is the assistant swimming coach. Ashley also sponsors the Science Club on campus. She is also completing her intern program at Azusa Pacific University. Ashley supports the students in all aspects of their lives here at Pacifica high. She attends sporting events, plays, dances, and gets personally involved in the lives of her students.
Personal involvement and relationship with the students is the heart of Ashley's teaching. Interestingly, as of spring last year, Ashley was on another career path. She was accepted at California State University, Northridge, into the Physical Therapy program. She had completed one year's worth of health care classes and decided that the field was not for her. She needed a more personal way to care for people and help them pursue their dreams. Her new path became teaching. It is here that Ashley is able to bridge her knowledge and passion for science with her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Pacifica High is most fortunate to have Ashley as a member of its staff.
I have been teaching English for 14 years; I have been involved in education for 20. The more experience I gain, the more I am convinced that truly excellent teachers are born with an innate desire to teach. Truly excellent teachers also have the innate desire to learn more about their profession, to learn more about themselves as professionals, and to model life long learning. Ashley Scott encompasses these traits and exemplifies this every day. Thank you for considering Ashley for this honor. She truly has distinguished herself as an outstanding first-year teacher.
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of more assistance.
Respectfully yours,
Heidi Resnik
The multiple subject award recipients are:
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Karen Dinucci
4th Grade
Cabello Elementary
New Haven Unified School District
This letter is to nominate an outstanding beginning fourth grade teacher at Cabello Elementary School, Karen Dinucci.
Karen began her career in education as a special education paraprofessional in our district in 1990. Her love of the children and the classroom inspired her to pursue a career in teacher. Last year Karen was an intern at Cabello and worked part-time with our Literacy Coordinator. Karen has taken the Extended Literacy Learning (ExLL) techniques and strategies she learned and has applied them across the curriculum with her students this year. Her written lesson plans reflect knowledge of, and alignment of instruction with, content standards. At any time you can observe her differentiating lessons to meet the wide range of needs of her students. For example, in her planning for the next day's Guided Reading groups each day she will have planned key comprehension questions for each group to help the students focus on their reading. The students will write about these points and then discuss them when they meet together with her daily. We regularly use Karen as a model for both new and veteran teachers to visit and observe research based best teaching practices! All year Karen has provided after school support for her "at risk" students. Her sensitivity to their special needs is always evident and she truly understands how to engage and support all students in learning.
Karen is a team player and is perceived as a leader. Teachers frequently report how she has helped them in planning and organization. They say they like to "spin ideas off of her" for her input, and that she is always open to accepting and trying their new ideas. She is creative in planning experiences for children that make learning meaningful and fun, and she shares those ideas not only with her grade level peers but at faculty meetings.
As an active member of our School Site Council Karen has worked with parents to make critical decisions about our school and budget expenditures. As a resident of our city, and a parent who has had two of her own children go through our district's schools, she provides insight from both sides of the table and parents respect and appreciate her opinions. Karen has also worked with our leadership team to provide input for writing the goals and implementation strategies of the Cabello School Plan.
Most recently Karen has responded to our request for volunteers for our upcoming Multicultural Festival and is working with another teacher and several parents to provide a hands-on cultural craft booth.
Karen exhibits all the characteristics of a highly valued experienced teacher. She is sensitive and caring and her positive attitude toward children and the profession deserve recognition. We strongly recommend that you consider Karen Dinucci for the honor of receiving CAEE's Outstanding First year Teacher Recognition Award!!
Donna Manha
Principal
Gus Samaniego
Assistant Principal
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Lindy Lee
Self Contained Classroom
John Adams Elementary
Torrance Unified School District
I am writing to nominate first year teacher, Mrs. Lindy Lee, for CAEE's Outstanding First-year Teacher Recognition Award.
Mrs. Lee is the first year teacher we all hope to find, hire and have teach our kids. She is energetic, enthusiastic, well trained and a "quick study". Teaching is her passion. Last summer, as soon as she could get the key to her classroom, she was here preparing her room for her first class. She was here evenings, weekends, whenever she could have access to her room. She brought in her family and friends, and together they painted furniture, brought in personal items, and made the room hers. When her students arrived they were welcomed into a warm and nurturing learning environment. Throughout the year her room has reflected her enthusiasm and creativity. Student work is always on display. She has an incentive program "Lee Dollars," where students earn money to make purchases from the Dollar Store. It's clear she loves her kids and they love school.
Mrs. Lee has fully participated in the BTSA program, as well as all district and site provided inservices. She is always asking insightful questions and seeking feedback on her practices. She is knowledgeable, has an excellent repertoire of effective teaching strategies, and puts what she learns from her peers and inservices to work to benefit her students. She welcomes parents into her classroom and has proven to them that she is dedicated to helping their children learn. She has an open door policy and works tirelessly to help each child make the most of the opportunities available -- she is their personal cheerleader.
Mrs. Lee's husband is an officer in the Torrance Police Department and has adopted her class. He frequently stops by the classroom to visit and to check-up on how they're doing. They have the Officer Lee Reading Club where the top reader gets to have a special lunch with the Lees and take a ride in the "cruiser". The class looks forward to his visits and wrote a book in his honor, "Officer Lee To The Rescue!!!," which they submitted to the Scholastic Book Fairs -- Kids Are Authors competition.
At Christmastime Mrs. Lee was invited, with several other members of our school staff, to ride the Torrance Police Department's Santa Float in our school's attendance area. She was a hit! It really made her students feel special to see her in their neighborhood with Santa.
Not only does Mrs. Lee give 110% to her classroom, she is also involved in and supportive of all of our school activities. She attends PTA sponsored activities, including our family nights and ice skating party -- officer Lee joins her whenever he can. After 9/11 our school sent teddy bears to the survivors of the tragedy. Many of our bears went to the Pentagon and our school has established a very special relationship with the Department of the Army, Resource-Services Washington, office in the Pentagon. On the six-month anniversary we held a special assembly for the school to accept an award that we received from the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army and to honor the 185 people who perished at the Pentagon that day. Mrs. Lee arrived in the early morning hours and worked with the upper grade teachers to decorate the school in preparation for the assembly. She's a part of the team whenever something needs to be done.
We all feel fortunate that Lindy Lee is a teacher at John Adams and that she has accomplished all of this in her first year is incredible. Lindy's enthusiasm is contagious as is her love of teaching. She is very up-beat and a joy to be around.
I can't think of a teacher more deserving of CAEE's Outstanding First-Year Teacher Recognition Award.
Sincerely,
Diana Smith
Principal
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