California Department of Education

2024 Classified School Employee of the Year highlight: Isaiah Joiner stands out as one of Mesa View Middle School’s best campus security staff members. He demonstrates an exemplary understanding of what it means to make students feel safe and welcome during this time of uncertainty for students in middle school. With over a decade of dedicated service to the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, Joiner consistently goes above and beyond as campus security. Whether coordinating athletic events, supporting schoolwide restorative practices, or participating in various school activities, he consistently seeks ways to enhance the overall educational experience for students. Read more about the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year here: https://lnkd.in/gn5qkKrg

2024 California Blue Ribbon School highlight: Wallen L. Andrews School is the only graded Transitional Kindergarten (TK)-8 school in the Whittier City School District, located in Avocado Heights. This close-knit community ushers in a history of longstanding tradition and multi-generational families. Staff pride themselves in their belief and practice to empower all their students to engage in high levels of learning. They nurture and invest in the whole child and tend to their social and emotional needs. Students have the opportunity to experience up to 10 years of education at Andrews. This creates a strong sense of belonging and community among students, teachers, staff, and families. Students carry meaningful relationships across the grade levels with the support of its “big and little buddy” system. This mentorship pairs grade levels together and prepares their oldest wildcats to be role models while connecting with younger wildcats to learn by example. Andrews received the National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2014. Since then, the school has expanded from a graded K-6 to a TK-8 school. The school continues to grow and strive for excellence through the mission lived out in its practices. Read more about our 2024 CA Blue Ribbon Schools: https://lnkd.in/gAKtt_e4

2025 CA Teacher of the Year Profile: Kristen LoPrell is a high school Mathematics and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School in the Grossmont Union High School District- GUHSD in San Diego County. One of Kristen’s greatest strengths lies in her philosophy around student success, particularly, her emphasis on providing multiple opportunities for intervention to support grade improvement within the classroom. Kristen developed a grade repair system for integrated math classes which has had a profound impact on student achievement and engagement. Through her thoughtful implementation of essential learning standards and her dedication to inclusive education, she has facilitated access to honors-level learning for a diverse range of students, thereby enriching the academic experience for all. Her tireless efforts to empower students to reach their full potential exemplify her dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence. Read more about our 2025 CA Teachers of the Year: https://lnkd.in/dR_fHNih

2024 Classified School Employee of the Year highlight: Connie Flores wears many hats as a cook and baker at Garden Grove High School. She fills the role of the catering chef, makes all the meals for the Apple Cart Café in the district office and as the cook at one of the district’s largest high schools, helps to provide over 1,000 meals daily. Anyone who has placed a catering order with Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD), along with all the students who have tasted her meals, has experienced the value of her cooking. Flores’ impact also extends beyond the kitchen; she fosters a supportive work environment, nurturing the skills of her colleagues and student workers. Her genuine kindness and unwavering dedication have earned her the respect and admiration of peers and supervisors. Outside work, Connie extends her generosity to the community through charity work, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Connie's culinary expertise, coupled with her giving nature, makes her a beloved figure both in the school and the wider community. Read more about the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year here: https://lnkd.in/gn5qkKrg

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2025 CA Teacher of the Year Profile: Matthew Winheim is a middle school STEM Aviation and Mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in the Palmdale School District (Los Angeles County). Matthew is driven by a strong conviction that every student is of infinite value; each having unique strengths that they need to discover and develop. Seeing students achieve breakthroughs in their understanding and experience academic and personal growth is very rewarding. These moments make all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile. “They validate my efforts and highlight the transformative power of education,” Matthew wrote in his application. “When a student who once struggled with a concept confidently explains it to peers, it brings immense satisfaction. It reaffirms my belief in every student's potential and the importance of perseverance, support, and hard work.” Superintendent Tony Thurmond nominated Winheim as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Winheim will compete against other state nominees, and the 2025 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring. Read more about our 2025 CA Teachers of the Year: https://lnkd.in/dR_fHNih

2024 California Blue Ribbon School highlight: Gretchen Whitney High School (ABC Unified School District in Cerritos) is known for its exceptional academic performance and student success. With a remarkable graduation rate and post-secondary matriculation rate of 100%, Whitney High has established itself as a premier institution for college preparation. Whitney HS students are consistently admitted to some of the most prestigious universities across the country and achieve outstanding careers in various fields. Whitney HS’s rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have earned the school a top 11 national STEM education rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Beyond academics, Whitney students also excel in athletics, theater, and the arts, showcasing the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community, Whitney High School provides an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential, preparing them for success in college and beyond. Read more about our 2024 CA Blue Ribbon Schools: https://lnkd.in/gAKtt_e4

Teachers and training leaders — State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the CDE encourage you to take a look at “Diving Into the Desmos Scientific and Graphing Calculators,” a math professional learning resource that training facilitators can use to guide teachers through scavenger hunt activities that help teachers learn about Desmos Calculator features. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gRWHrHgD Note: #ToolsforTeachers requires an account to view full resources. A free Tools for Teachers account is available for all California public school educators.

2024 California Blue Ribbon School highlight: Besides a rigorous curriculum, Creekside Middle School (in the Castro Valley Unified School District) offers extracurricular opportunities such as MathCounts clubs and the Science Olympiad. Parent volunteers coordinate these academic programs, where students compete in specialized subject matters across the district, region, and state. Last year, the Science Olympiad team won the Regional Championships and moved on to compete at the state level. Creekside Athletics is another area where students can shine with over fourteen different sports programs offered. In the 2023-2024 school year, they won the South Alameda County Middle Athletic League (SACMAL) Cup, earning the highest number of overall points across all sports and across all schools. Creekside’s music and arts programs continue to gain popularity. The Drama elective culminated in a showcase that included everything from monologues to choreographed lightsaber battles. The Choir, Band, and Orchestra all placed 2nd or higher in the Music in the Parks program, which draws schools from all over the Bay Area. Read more about our 2024 CA Blue Ribbon Schools: https://lnkd.in/gAKtt_e4