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Los Angeles Unified Salutes Three Los Angeles County 2019-20 ‘Teachers of the Year’
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 20, 2019) – Honored for their expertise, dedication, creativity and commitment to helping all students succeed, three Los Angeles Unified teachers were honored today as Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year during a ceremony held at Universal City. Joining the ranks of other excellent educators, they are now competing for the state designation.
“Congratulations to all of the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year and, in particular, those from Los Angeles Unified,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “You make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your hard work and dedication each and every day.”
The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year from Los Angeles Unified are:
Nikysha D. Gilliam teaches eighth-grade English and U.S. history at Audubon Middle School. Her classes include writing workshops, role-playing and technology and the arts. Students receive a reward from a treasure box when they are “caught being brilliant.” She has been a teacher for 21 years. “It’s such an amazing privilege and honor to be recognized in Los Angeles Unified and Los Angeles County as Teacher of the year! I’m extremely humbled. I look forward to returning to my classroom and my school, each day, where we lift the learning off the page and help students see that their stories and their voices matter,” Gilliam said.
Jessica Perry-Martin teaches visual and Advanced Placement art at the Arts, Theater and Entertainment (ArTES) Magnet at the Cesar Chavez Learning Academies. She helps her students, ranging from beginning to award-winning artists, refine their skills, master new techniques and develop their artistic ability. She has been teaching for 18 years. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year. I believe teaching is a transformative experience for students, educators, communities, and our country. When we work together, believing in our students, everyone succeeds. Thank you to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) for believing in my role in this transformative process,” Perry-Martin said.
Amy Kassorla Weisberg teaches transitional kindergarten and kindergarten at Topanga Elementary Charter School. She challenges and encourages the school’s youngest students, giving them a head start on literacy, math, school readiness and social emotional development. She has brought resources to her campus including a garden, outdoor stage, a labyrinth and even a yoga class. She has been a teacher for 39 years. “I am so excited to have been selected as both a Los Angeles Unified and LACOE Teacher of the Year! I am looking forward to being a vocal advocate for children, parents and educators,” Weisberg said.
“Teaching can be challenging, frustrating, and most of all, very rewarding,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “Because I know from experience that teaching is not an easy job, I want to extend special congratulations to our own instructors who have been selected as Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.”
“A teacher has the greatest impact on a student, and that impact can last a lifetime,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “I am proud to recognize our Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.”
“Teachers leave an everlasting imprint on the lives of their students. To the teachers being recognized today and to every single teacher that shows up for our kids, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Board Member Mónica García said. “You shape the minds of the future leaders of our society!”
“Congratulations to our teachers who have been selected as L.A. County Teachers of the Year,” said Board Member Scott Schmerelson. “You teach our children so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. Despite being chronically underappreciated, you inspire and influence our children to become their best selves every single day.”
“Congratulations to the amazing teachers being recognized for going above and beyond to improve outcomes for our kids!” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are so grateful for your dedication to providing our students with a great education.”
“Our educators are difference makers in the lives of our students,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Congratulations to our Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year! Our sincere thanks for bringing your passion, dedication, and skill to our classrooms each day – we are deeply grateful for all that you do.”