An Encinitas Union School District educator is among several noted for their work as the county’s latest Teachers of the Year.
Katie Andan of La Costa Heights Elementary School and four other county educators will represent the region in the California Teacher of the Year program, where they will also compete to advance to the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Her classroom is a place where passionate, curious learners thrive because she has a natural ability to recognize each student’s strengths and help them grow into even more confident and capable individuals,” Principal Heidi Galassi said in a district news release Thursday, May 21. “Katie is especially gifted at supporting students of all levels; she takes the time to understand their individual needs, builds them up with compassion and confidence, and helps them discover strategies that work for them both academically and personally. She is the kind of teacher every student deserves and every school hopes to have.”
Andan has taught fifth grade at La Costa Heights Elementary for 12 years and has 20 years of classroom experience, according to the district. A celebration in Andan’s honor was held at a campus assembly on May 14.
The San Diego County Credit Union celebrated the work of the region’s educators through its rebranded Excellence in Education program, formerly known as Salute to Teachers, in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and with support from ABC 10News.
“We are honored to recognize and support the incredible educators who make a lasting impact on students and families across San Diego County,” Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO, said in a news release from the credit union. “Through Excellence in Education, we are proud to shine a light on these dedicated teachers.”
This year’s San Diego County Teachers of the Year are:
✔️ Katie Andan, La Costa Heights Elementary School, Encinitas Union School District
✔️ Mark Jeffers, Mount Miguel High School, Grossmont Union High School District
✔️ Robin Larson, PRIDE Academy, Santee School District
✔️ Mike Neumann, Southwest High School, Sweetwater Union High School District
✔️ Stacy Williams, Transition Resources for Adult Community Education, San Diego Unified School District
“These extraordinary teachers are shining examples of the difference that individuals can make in the lives of students and in our communities,” Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools, said in county Office of Education news release. “I am so inspired by these impressive and passionate educators. We are honored to partner with SDCCU to recognize them and highlight their accomplishments.”
The 50 nominees were recognized by their districts based on student achievement, professional development, community involvement and ability to serve as ambassadors of education, among other elements, officials said.
“We know you pour your heart and soul into your work,” Ciriza said of Andan in the district’s news relasse. “And for that, I can’t wait to share you not only with the rest of the county, but with the rest of the state.”
Encinitas Union School District officials noted an effort as part of a fifth-grade civics project in which Andan and her teammates organize biennial trips to Sacramento where students lobby for or present original legislation.
Last year, students authored the California Inclusive Playgrounds Act, a bill promoting playground accessibility. After months of research — including studying the Americans with Disabilities Act, surveying their campus, visiting inclusive playgrounds and consulting with experts — students presented their proposal to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-77th District) and Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-38th District) at the State Capitol.
Their efforts yielded results on Feb. 19, when Boerner introduced the Inclusive Playground Act as AB-2241 in the current California legislative session.
“Katie leads by example. She teaches students not only how to succeed academically, but how to positively contribute to the world with empathy, confidence, integrity, and purpose,” Encinitas Union Superintendent Andrée Grey said in the district’s news release. “Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and our entire community is better because of her leadership and heart. We are so fortunate to have her in EUSD, and I am thrilled she is being recognized for the impact she has made in our district and the community.”
