Thirteen Humboldt County teachers will receive an Excellence in Teaching Award and honored in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, May 13 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Colleagues, friends, and family members are invited to watch on-line at https://hcoe.org/awards/.
The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) sponsors this celebration annually to celebrate California’s Day of the Teacher by recognizing outstanding educators who were nominated by colleagues, students, parents, or school administrators and then selected to receive this honor.
This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award recipients are:
- Julie Angles: Arcata High School
- Deborah Carpenter: Washington Elementary School
- Adam Crug: Morris Elementary School
- Elizabeth (Lizzy) Dostal: McKinleyville Middle School
- Becky Gallaty: Linnel K.Walker Elementary School & Fortuna Middle School
- Brice Gummersall: South Fork High School
- Jim Hannon: McKinleyville High School
- Alaina Kelley: Garfield Elementary School
- Rachel Lyon: Glen Paul School
- Brandee Mitchell: Cutten Elementary School
- Nanette (Nan) Voss: Eureka High School
- Jesse Wheeler: Cutten Elementary School
- Nora Wynne: McKinleyville Union School District
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program has been in place since 1986. It recognizes classroom teachers from Kindergarten through 12th grade who have a minimum of five years teaching experience and have been identified as exemplary by their coworkers, students, or school communities.
Each individual is an exemplary educator who has gained the respect and admiration of their peers and truly reflect the values of dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism,” commends Dr. Chris Hartley, superintendent of schools.
“Of particular note, is the importance of honoring all educators during this historic time,” adds Hartley. “Serving students and families during the COVID pandemic requires heroic efforts, massive creativity, perseverance and loads of care and compassion for all who we serve. Those honored this afternoon represent the collective force of all educators in being that person who has the capacity and internal drive required to give and make such a tremendous difference in our communities.”
Four additional educators will be celebrated for receiving a Jean Olson Career Achievement award, recognizing an exceptional veteran or retired teacher for their lifelong contributions to public education, children, and the community.
This award was first established in 1995, and in 1998 it was dedicated to the memory of long-time County Board of Education Member and President, Jean Olson, who passed away in that year.
This year’s Jean Olson Awardees are:
- Mary DeWald: Cutten School District
- Gary Glassman: McKinleyville High School
- William Hawkins: Orick School District
- Sarah Maninger: Washington Elementary School
Each of the honorees will have an opportunity to say a few words about their acknowledgement. The 2019-20 Teachers of the Year, Johanna Mauro from Arcata High School and Tim Olson from Eureka High School, along with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Hartley will also be sharing remarks.
The 2020-21 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year will be selected from among the Excellence in Teaching Award recipients. For more information, please contact Stacy Young at syoung@hcoe.org or (707) 445-7077.
Check out the video trailer in honor of Day of the Teacher at: https://vimeo.com/414962314