In addition to honoring the district Teachers of the Year, ACOE will also present Bridging the Distance Awards to teachers who have demonstrated innovation, creativity, compassion, care and a commitment to equity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Huong Giang

Sunol Glen School
Sunol Glen Unified School District

Doing the best that I can for my students and letting them know that I care about them is more important than ever. This has meant learning new technology programs, sharing ideas with fellow teachers, communicating clearly and often with my families, being understanding and supportive of my students, and creating detailed weekly plans that allow for flexible instructional groupings. My students know that I work hard for them, because I care about them and love being their teacher.

Maestra Lourdes Luy

Valley View Elementary
Pleasanton Unified School District

Remote teaching has been one of the biggest challenges we have had to face as educators. But as teachers, we always put the best interest of our students first and foremost. With a positive attitude, and through epic fails and successes we have been able to step up to the challenge. Creating and maintaining a partnership with families has been crucial. We have all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”... well during remote learning it certainly does!

Maestro Greg Martin

Sylvia Mendez Elementary
Berkeley Unified School District

I have just always figured that it is my job to try to engage students no matter what the circumstances. Engagement is impossible without trust and a keen sense of fun. So those are the areas I really work on in these monumentally challenging times, especially for the young ones.

Mr. Kyle Moss

Montclair Elementary
Oakland Unified School District

While distance learning presents some unique challenges, I also think it has been a valuable opportunity for me to reevaluate some priorities and see the creative potential of digital resources. Most of all, it has allowed me to focus on the essential work of guiding students to develop strong identities as independent learners.

Mrs. Shereen Raber

August Schilling Elementary
Newark Unified School District

This year is as much a learning experience for me as it is for my students and their families. How do I make those important connections through my laptop camera? High energy, enthusiasm, empathy, laughter and persistence are my go-to strategies. If things aren’t working, I look for something new.

Ms. Emily Rubin

Glenview Elementary
Oakland Unified School District

At the end of the day, I care most about my TK students feeling excited about school and developing a genuine love of learning. We spend our time together on Zoom singing, dancing, playing games, and sharing about ourselves. I want to make sure that every student in my class feels comfortable, important, and loved. Even through the computer, we have learned how to connect and care for each other and bring joy to our community every day!

Mr. Andy Thomas

John Muir Elementary
Berkeley Unified School District

I started by asking parents and students what they needed from our class. Parents helped with deliveries, setting up technology, and helped purchase thousands of dollars worth of materials. We bought books, folders, pens, markers, paint, and manipulatives. Kits were delivered to every child's house by parent volunteers. When I had technical difficulties, parents quickly helped me resolve problems. A major reason why things are working is because I had a great connection with families already.