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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 14, 2022
Los Angeles Unified Teachers Honored as California Teachers of the Year
Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 14, 2022) – Mr. Jason Torres-Rangel, a high school Advanced Placement (AP) English teacher at Theodore Roosevelt High School, and Mrs. Bridgette Donald-Blue, a fourth-grade multiple subject teacher at Coliseum Street Elementary School, were honored as 2023 California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Mr. Torres-Rangel and Mrs. Donald-Blue have been recognized as ambassadors for the profession, and will be honored as representatives of the state for the calendar year. In addition, Mr. Torres-Rangel has been nominated by State Superintendent Thurmond as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Mrs. Meghann Seril, a third-grade multiple-subject teacher at Broadway Elementary School, was honored as a 2023 California Teachers of the Year Finalist.
“Congratulations, Mr. Torres-Rangel, Mrs. Bridgette Donald-Blue and Mrs. Meghann Seril,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Teachers represent the best in our community, state and nation. Even on the worst of days, they show up as our children's’ best opportunity. I am pleased to recognize Los Angeles Unified’s honorees for the magic they bring to their classrooms each and every day. Our teachers work to impart their knowledge to our youth and lead our scholars toward the bright futures each of them deserves.”
“To be selected as California State Teacher of the year is a profound honor,” Mr. Torres-Rangel said. “As the son of two retired Los Angeles Unified teachers, I am humbled, moved, and touched, and am so excited to uplift the voices of my students and the work of my colleagues. The work of teaching is the work of love and family; no teacher works alone, it is truly a family effort, and I am blessed to work with some of the best educators out there, serving the incredible students of Los Angeles.”
“I am so thrilled for Mr. Torres-Rangel and proud to work with such an amazing educator,” Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Ben Gertner said. “He has made a positive impact on his students and our school community. This recognition is very well-deserved, and I wish him the best of luck as he moves on to compete for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year.”
“I am honored to be selected as a California Teacher of the Year,” Mrs. Donald-Blue said. “It is a privilege to work with the students, teachers, staff and parents of Los Angeles Unified. Thank you so much for this recognition.”
“We are so appreciative of all the hard work, collaboration and diligence Mrs. Donald-Blue has demonstrated to receive such a prestigious award,” Coliseum Street Elementary School Principal Mrs. Susannah Yorke said.
“I am honored to represent the teachers and families of Los Angeles Unified as a state level finalist,” Mrs. Seril said. “Let's continue to work together to make teaching and learning truly relevant and empowering.”
“Mrs. Seril works above and beyond to educate and support her students and families,” Broadway Elementary School Principal Susan Wang said. “She teaches the whole child and continues to learn and fine-tune her craft. Her award is absolutely well deserved.”
“Congratulations to the 2023 California Teachers of the Year,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our students and their education. You truly are the inspiration, hope, and change-makers in our schools.”
“Congratulations to all the outstanding educators being recognized for their tireless work, passion, and dedication to the students and communities they serve across California—and a special shoutout to Los Angeles Unified’s own Board District 4 Finalist, Meghann Seril from Broadway Elementary,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “Thank you all for showing up for kids everyday, and showing us what’s possible in every classroom.”
“Congratulations to the 2023 California Teachers of the Year for representing the promise and power of phenomenal educators,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “We are especially proud of Los Angeles Unified’s own, Jason Torres-Rangel.”
“Congratulations to every teacher of the year," Board Member Mónica García said. “We celebrate your impact on our youth and are grateful for your leadership in the classroom. I am especially proud of Jason Torres-Rangel and his work at Theodore Roosevelt High School. Thank you to every teacher who merits recognition. Go Rough Riders!”
“I want to send my sincere congratulations to all the 2022 California Teachers of the Year, both the winners and the applicants,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “And I am especially proud of our two Los Angeles Unified awardees: Jason Torres-Rangel of Theodore Roosevelt High School and Bridgett Donald Blue, from Coliseum Street Elementary. Please accept my congratulations!”
“Congratulations to all of the amazing teachers for this greatly deserved recognition,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “To the winners and the finalists, thank you so much for your dedication to your school community. As a former teacher, I understand how much one gives of oneself to inspire and encourage students to be their best selves. I am so appreciative of your commitment to our kids, especially in these difficult times.”
“The dedication, creativity, and whole-hearted service of the 2023 California Teachers of the Year, are truly an example to scholars, districts, and the entire community,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Thank you, 2023 California Teachers of the Year, for choosing to make a difference in public education. I can’t wait to see what you and your scholars accomplish in the years to come!”
Mr. Torres-Rangel is a graduate of Los Angeles Unified and has spent over 18 years teaching English and Ballet Folklorico at several campuses across the District. Mr. Torres-Rangel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College and a Masters in Education degree from Harvard University.
Mrs. Donald-Blue deferred law school to fulfill a two-year commitment to Teach for America, and thirty years later, is still teaching in the classroom. Mrs. Donald-Blue holds a degree from Howard University.
Mrs. Seril has been a teacher at Los Angeles Unified for 14 years, teaching grades two through four. Mrs. Seril holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California.
Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.
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