Los Angeles Unified Teacher Honored as California Teacher of the Year
Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 16, 2023) – Mr. Andrew Lewis, a high school music teacher from the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, was honored as a 2024 California Teacher of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Mr. Lewis has been recognized as an ambassador for the profession, and will be honored as a representative of the state for the calendar year.
“Congratulations, Mr. Lewis, for being an exemplary educator and representing the best in our community, state and nation.” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “I am pleased to recognize Mr. Lewis for the magic he brings to his classroom each and every day. Our teachers are vital to our school communities and lead our students toward the bright futures each and every one of them deserves.”
“It is such an honor to be selected as a California Teacher of the Year,” Mr. Lewis said. “I am passionate about my students receiving the arts education they deserve, and I'm grateful for this recognition from the California Department of Education.”
“Beyond observing Mr. Lewis’ consistent classroom systems and excellent instructional outcomes, I have also witnessed his unwavering dedication to the students he teaches every day,” Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts Principal Jantré Christian said. “Mr. Lewis has demonstrated an ongoing and consistent commitment to his students and families in our community – both inside the classroom and out. He is often coming in on weekends and staying late after school to provide students with opportunities to rehearse and participate in public performances. He sets high expectations and provides support for all students to reach those expectations. He has created a safe learning environment that affirms all student identities. Drew Lewis is a joy to collaborate with and is an excellent example of teacher leadership that extends beyond our campus. His ensembles, instructional practice, and work product are a constant source of pride for all of us at Ramon C. Cortines School of VAPA.”
“We are proud of Andrew Lewis for achieving this outstanding honor,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Music education enriches our students’ lives and fosters creativity, discipline, and expression, so it is a particular joy to see Mr. Lewis' excellence recognized. Congratulations Mr. Lewis!”
“Congratulations to all the educators who have been named 2024 Teachers of the Year,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Their dedication to the students is undeniably worthy of distinction. I am also incredibly pleased to see Mr. Andrew Lewis from the Ramon C. Cortines School of Performing Arts on that list. Los Angeles Unified looks to provide the best education, and we do so by hiring the best teachers.”
“Congratulations to Andrew Lewis on being named a California Teacher of the Year,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “He is a single representative of the best of Los Angeles Unified educators and how they work to transform the lives of their students.”
“Our Los Angeles Unified teachers continue to amaze and inspire me with their skill and dedication to our students,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “Congratulations to Andrew Lewis, an exceptional teacher whose work at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts is getting much-deserved recognition.”
“Congratulations to LA Unified’s Andrew Lewis and to all this year’s Teacher of the Year honorees and finalists being recognized across California,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are proud to have talented and dedicated educators like Mr. Lewis to represent our district and make an impact on students and fellow teachers alike.”
“Congratulations to Mr. Lewis and to all the California Teachers of the Year,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Our teachers’ dedication and care make a meaningful, lifelong impact on our students and their families, and we are so grateful for their passion, skill, and commitment in service of students.”
“Congratulations to all the five amazing teachers – especially our own Los Angeles Unified Unified music teacher, Andrew Lewis – for being selected as Teacher of the Year 2024,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Your dedication and commitment to our students does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for your passion to teach our scholars and the future!”
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
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