Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1426376
C T A C E L E B R A T E S the five extraor- dinary educators named as 2021 California Teachers of the Year, who are all CTA members. The teachers were selected by state Superin- tendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond after an extensive process that began at the county level. "On behalf of CTA, congratulations to these outstanding educators, who have gone above and beyond during a difficult time in our nation's history to adapt to its challenges and still meet the needs of students across our state," says CTA President E. Toby Boyd. Thurmond similarly praises this year 's winning educators. "In a year that might be the most challenging in all of our lives, these five inspiring teachers have made profound differ- ences in the lives of their students and communities. I'm proud that these educators are receiving this prestigious honor for their continued effort to rise above the challenges and connect with students even during unimaginable circumstances." "Congratulations to these outstanding educators, who have gone above and beyond during a difficult time to meet the needs of students across our state." —CTA President E. Toby Boyd Above and Beyond The 2021 California Teachers of the Year The 2021 California Teachers of the Year are: • JIM KLIPFEL (Hart District Teachers Association), grades 9-12 social studies and athletics teacher at Saugus High School in Los Angeles County. Thurmond also nominated Klipfel as California's representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Klipfel will compete against other state nominees; the 2021 winning educator will be announced in the spring. • ALLISON CYR (Desert Sands Teachers Association), multiple-subject third grade teacher at Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School in Riverside County. • KEISA BROWN (Riverside City Teachers Association), grades 7-8 Spanish and AVID 8 teacher at University Heights Middle School in Riverside County. • L AURA E. GÓMEZ CONTRERAS (Santa Ana Educators' Association), multiple-subject third grade teacher at Martin Elementary School in Orange County. • NORA WYNNE (McKinleyville Teachers Association), grades 6-8 Spanish teacher at McKinleyville Middle School in Humboldt County. Presented by California Casualty 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 new teachers to enter the profession. County offices of education nominate applicants through their county-level competitions. The Cal- ifornia Department of Education (CDE) selection committees review applications; evaluate teachers' rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques; and interview the teachers. The state superintendent selects the Teachers of the Year. For more information on the program, visit the CDE's webpage at cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct. Jim Klipfel Allison Cyr Keisa Brown Laura E. Gómez Contreras Nora Wynne 55 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 21 C