Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
F I V E O U T S T A N D I N G E D U C A T O R S from across the state — all CTA members — were named the 2024 California Teachers of the Year in October. " They make profound differences in their students' lives and provide both inspiration and the practical tools that students need to succeed," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony urmond in a statement announcing the news. "ey're all prime examples of the exceptional work going on in California schools." urmond commended the tremendous impact the educators have had in their schools and on their students and communities, saying they "display deep commitment and innovation in their work — all while supporting their students through a difficult time." e five will serve as ambassadors for the profession and represen- tatives of the state for the calendar year. 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 standout teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession. CASEY CUNY, a member of Hart District Teachers Association, is a high school honors English and Senior Myth and Folklore teacher at William S. Hart High School and Valencia High School in the William S. Hart Unified School District (Los Angeles County). A childhood cancer survivor, Cuny has spoken about how his teachers were instrumental during that time, especially in the aftermath; "they taught me what I was capable of and pushed me to do all these different things," eventually inspiring him to go into teaching. Thurmond nominated Cuny as California's representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The 2024 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring. JOSEPH ALVARICO, a member of Mt. Diablo Education Association, is a high school Engineering Essentials, Introduction to Engineering Design, and honors computer teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School in the Mount Diablo Unified School District (Contra Costa County). ANDREW "DREW" LEWIS, a member of United Teachers Los Angeles/NEA, is a high school music teacher at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The 2024 California Teachers of the Year: The 2024 California Teachers of the Year 46 cta.org CTA & You