Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1437090
All five educators are CTA members By Julian Peeples State Honors Teachers of the Year F I V E E X C E P T I O N A L E D U C A T O R S were honored in October as the 2022 California Teachers of the Year for going above and beyond during one of the most challenging times in our nation's history. Announced by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, these educators are ambassadors for the profession and serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year. "In what may be the toughest time ever for California families, students and educators, these five innovative and caring teachers have made profound differences in the lives of their students and communities," Thurmond says. "I'm proud that these educators are receiving this prestigious honor for their continued effort to connect with students even during unimaginable circumstances, to address their needs, and support them in any way they can." Meet the 2022 California Teachers of the Year. ALONDRA DIAZ, a third grade general education and dual immersion teacher at Ralph A. Gates Elementary School in Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Diaz is a member of Saddleback Valley Educators Association. Diaz was also selected by Thurmond to be California's representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The 2022 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring. NICHI AVINA, a middle school science teacher at Cielo Vista Charter School in Palm Springs Uni- fied School District. Avina is a member of Palm Springs Teachers Association. 52 cta.org CTA & You