UCI Alumna; 2013 Carlston Family Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award
School of Education
January 1, 2014
“I will continue to serve as an agent of change.”
Education has provided an incredible array of opportunities where my curiosity has continued to be nurtured and sparked. Over the course of a wonderful teaching career, I have developed professionally and personally through educational partnerships, training, and, more importantly, the diverse experiences of my students.
Fortunately, while an undergraduate student at UC Irvine, I had several mentors who provided valuable life-long lessons and wisdom. I credit the laboratory research experience (199) in Drs. Ernest Noble and Sujata Tewari’s neurochemistry laboratory as one the most influential experiences to date. Dr. Tewari and her research associates provided an enriched environment where I was introduced to cellular/molecular biology research in neuroscience. Consequently, I developed an interest in research, and briefly worked at the UCI Medical Center in the Sleep Disorder Lab upon graduation.
Due to budget cuts, positions at the Medical Center were eliminated, and I began looking for other employment. Previously, I had never considered a career in education, but I welcomed the opportunity to teach biology in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) under an Emergency Credential. I soon became “hooked” on teaching and returned to UCI School of Education to obtain a teaching credential.
At the UCI School of Education I received outstanding support and training as I pursued a single subject credential. Dr. Billie Nave-Masters, a progressive and resourceful educator, was instrumental in raising my awareness regarding social justice issues within education and recognizing the respective challenges our students face. Additionally, the program provided valuable preparation in classroom management, literacy, and pluralism. I graduated grateful for the extensive training I received while at UC Irvine as an undergraduate and through the School of Education.
I have found teaching to be extremely rewarding in all the locations where I have worked as a secondary biology teacher over the course of my career – in Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD), and Los Angeles Unified School District. Additionally, I have taught English-as-a-Second Language, Adult Education, and GED classes though the Rancho Santiago College District. Since 2003 I have been teaching biology, anatomy/physiology at Middle College High School. Each of my experiences has provided a heightened realization of the value of a quality education for all students.
My time in education has been personally rewarding. I have earned an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Kent State University in Ohio, and Administrative, Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Community College Credentials. I have been recognized as Santa Ana Unified School District High School Teacher of the Year, California Continuing Education Association Educator of the Year, and a Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Scholar. In 2012, I was selected as a NASA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Ambassador.
The rollercoaster of life presented itself fully last spring. I received a shocking diagnosis regarding my health when I was informed that I had breast cancer and would need extensive treatment. Unexpectedly, the week following my diagnosis, I was greeted with the incredible news that I had been nominated (anonymously) by a former student for the 2013 Carlston Family Foundation Outstanding Teachers of America Award. The news of this nomination brought me to tears, since I never anticipated such a thoughtful recognition.
Little did I realize, Heriberto Olive, a former student, had nominated me for this extraordinary recognition. Coincidently, I had chosen him as the substitute teacher to fill in for the duration of spring semester as I was pursuing treatment. He proved to be an exceptional teacher who maintained the continuity and positive atmosphere within the classroom during my absence.
Heriberto had graduated from Middle College High School in 2010 with a high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Santa Ana College. When he was in 9th grade biology, he had expressed an interest in becoming a biology teacher. Heriberto had always maintained a strong focus on academics and his goals. As a result, he is pursuing a teaching career in biology through UC Irvine’s School of Education and will complete his student teaching in the spring. I welcome him as an extraordinary colleague and individual!
Students have enriched my life beyond words! I love teaching and have felt extremely fortunate to have a dynamic profession where students demonstrate their enthusiasm, energy, and respective talents. I will continue to serve as an agent of change to develop partnerships with universities, businesses, and schools to elevate education, particularly focusing upon K-12 STEM and literacy.
Carlston Family Foundation Mission Statement: The Carlston Family Foundation seeks to challenge all Americans to engage in addressing the critical issues surrounding the level of education in our country. Our program endeavors to find those educators, who by their own example, demonstrate the value of knowledge through their commitment to their students’ academic successes, and to encourage other educators to simulate these successful teaching patterns. All of our award-winning teachers are brought to our attention by former students who are successful in their academic and life pursuits. These students tell us that they would not be where they are today without the teaching, mentoring and friendship of their teachers.
