LOS ALAMITOS, CA — This year, the Los Alamitos Unified District awarded a teacher from each school with the Teacher of the Year award. Teachers awarded were Paula Pugh, Suzanne McElderry, Tina Sudo, Michelle Anderson, Morgan Cochrane, Jennifer Holland, Evan Grandon, Brandi Amundson, Robert Harrell, and Stacy Castiglione.

“Overall, there was so much inspiration and love in that room,” Ms. Cochrane, a fourth grade Rossmoor Elementary School teacher, said.

At the award ceremony on May 1, there was a catered dinner, a professional photographer with a photo booth, and decorated tables where teachers sat with friends, family, administration, and members of the district board. The awards ceremony was held at the Old Ranch Country Club, hosted by LAEF. Principals from each school gave a small speech about their chosen teacher and awarded them a personalized plaque. The district handed out gold medals to the wonderful teachers as well as gift cards.

“It was a very nice evening, and all of us felt very special,” Brandi Amundson, McAuliffe math teacher, said.

Additionally, Mr. Harrel, the instrumental teacher for Oak Middle School, Ms. McElderry, the music teacher for Lee Elementary, and Mrs. Castiglione, the drama teacher for Los Alamitos High School, were all represented during the ceremony. This event gave the spotlighted teachers the chance to show off their role in changing the way students perceive the world while still exposing them to new facets of the world.

“It was extra meaningful to personally know so many of the families and administrators at the event,” Ms. McElderry said.

This event was a great opportunity for the community to recognize teachers in the district for their hard work and to show them how much LAUSD truly appreciates our teachers.