GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: Catherine Martin [email protected]

GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 2017-18 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Kathryn Worley and Daemein Patterson to Represent GUHSD in Prestigious County Teacher of the Year Competition

EL CAJON, CA—At the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2017, the Grossmont Union High School District honored Teacher of the Year nominees from each of its schools. This is a great honor, as each nominee was selected by their peers.

School site nominees are interviewed by a panel comprised of previous Teachers of the Year and District personnel. The panel selects two representatives from this distinguished group to recommend to our Board of Trustees for consideration for the San Diego County Teacher of the Year competition. If selected to represent the County, the next step is the Teacher of the Year Competition.

GUHSD 2017-2018 Site Teachers of the Year:

El Cajon Valley High School ~ Elizabeth Wright ~ Michelle Barnett Granite Hills High School ~ Julie Schorr Monte Vista High School ~ Kathy Hunter-Clark ~ Beverly Jones ~ Jason Kay (More) Valhalla High School ~ Toni Myers Alternative Education/Chaparral High School ~ Sarina Brooks IDEA Center High School ~ Karly Johnstone

The two 2017 - 2018 GUHSD Teachers of the Year who advance to compete at the County level for San Diego County Teacher of the Year:

Kathryn Worley – Representing Ms. Worley is an Industrial Technology and Manufacturing Teacher, who began teaching at West Hills in 2010. Kathy joined the District in 1988 and has been an inspiration to many people over her long and distinguished career. In addition to teaching, she coached and led a highly successful athletics program.

Principal Robin Ballarin remarked, “With warmth, kindness, a “get to work” attitude and humor, Kathy leads students to multiple levels of success, she cares deeply about their learning.” A student remarked, “She is a role model for all of us; she goes above and beyond to help us succeed.”

Daemein Patterson – Representing Mr. Patterson is an English Teacher who began teaching at Grossmont in 2005. He is involved with the English Learner program and took on the role of teaching transitional English, which serves the long-term English Learners at Grossmont High School. Mr. Patterson’s creativity and experience helped ensure the effective teaching at these pivotal learning levels for students. He is dedicated, energetic and passionate about teaching and connecting with his students

Daemein was a Golden Apple Award Winner in 2010. One of his colleagues said, “Daemein is a passionate teacher who seeks out innovation to encourage students to be their best, not only in his courses, but also as citizens of the world.”

(More) Kathy Worley and Daemein Patterson will now compete for 2018 County Teacher of the Year and be honored at A Salute to Teachers next fall. They will also be honored as the GUHSD Teachers of the Year at the ’ Teacher Appreciation Night on May 19.

GUHSD is proud to have these fine teachers represent their school sites and our District as our 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year.

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