Desiree Chavez, a 17-year Los Nietos Middle School science and math teacher, was named the Los Nietos School District’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year by her peers because of her ability to connect with eighth-graders, whether the topic is algebra or Pokémon Go.
Chavez received the honor in May, a distinction that secured her an invitation to the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Banquet on Friday, Sept. 16.
“I’m extremely honored to be recognized alongside such a special group of exceptional teachers,” Chavez said. “I love what I do, and it’s exciting to work with bright Los Nietos students each day and figure out how to bring out the best in them.”
Chavez has made it her mission to merge technology with lesson plans and, this year, her eighth-graders received new Google Chromebooks along with new math textbooks. After teaching herself HTML, Chavez started a coding course at the school last year that was so popular that school officials decided to offer two semester classes this year so more students could explore coding. Coding students in this course use math to build a video game.
“Desiree has a zeal for finding new ways to challenge our students,” Los Nietos Middle School Principal Shanonn Zelaya said. “She approached me about doing a coding course and it’s been a tremendous success that has aligned perfectly with our commitment to technology.”
Among her winning attributes, it’s Desiree’s personal touch with her pupils that makes her a classroom standout. She regularly has a crowded room before and after school as she offers additional assistance with difficult concepts and encourages kids to retake tests. She shares a love for Pokémon Go with her students and this year will run a marathon alongside them as a part of the Students Run L.A. program that trains at-risk students in distance running and character building.
“Mrs. Chavez’s class is the one students most look forward to going to,” said former LNMS student Raylene Cosio, who is now a sophomore at Pioneer High School with a 4.0 GPA. “She creates an environment that feels like home, where everyone feels encouraged and wants to give their best. She’s the type of teacher that you’ll remember for a lifetime.”
Each year, the Los Angeles County Office of Education presents an awards luncheon to recognize all District Teachers of the Year. The 16 teachers chosen as Los Angeles County titleholders will automatically qualify for the state competition, with a chance to participate in the nationals.
“As a District we feel as though we’ve already won because our students get the privilege of learning from Desiree each day,” Los Nietos Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez said. “She is a special educator, and a valuable part of the successful learning environment in the Los Nietos School District.”
Chavez received the honor in May, a distinction that secured her an invitation to the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Banquet on Friday, Sept. 16.
“I’m extremely honored to be recognized alongside such a special group of exceptional teachers,” Chavez said. “I love what I do, and it’s exciting to work with bright Los Nietos students each day and figure out how to bring out the best in them.”
Chavez has made it her mission to merge technology with lesson plans and, this year, her eighth-graders received new Google Chromebooks along with new math textbooks. After teaching herself HTML, Chavez started a coding course at the school last year that was so popular that school officials decided to offer two semester classes this year so more students could explore coding. Coding students in this course use math to build a video game.
“Desiree has a zeal for finding new ways to challenge our students,” Los Nietos Middle School Principal Shanonn Zelaya said. “She approached me about doing a coding course and it’s been a tremendous success that has aligned perfectly with our commitment to technology.”
Among her winning attributes, it’s Desiree’s personal touch with her pupils that makes her a classroom standout. She regularly has a crowded room before and after school as she offers additional assistance with difficult concepts and encourages kids to retake tests. She shares a love for Pokémon Go with her students and this year will run a marathon alongside them as a part of the Students Run L.A. program that trains at-risk students in distance running and character building.
“Mrs. Chavez’s class is the one students most look forward to going to,” said former LNMS student Raylene Cosio, who is now a sophomore at Pioneer High School with a 4.0 GPA. “She creates an environment that feels like home, where everyone feels encouraged and wants to give their best. She’s the type of teacher that you’ll remember for a lifetime.”
Each year, the Los Angeles County Office of Education presents an awards luncheon to recognize all District Teachers of the Year. The 16 teachers chosen as Los Angeles County titleholders will automatically qualify for the state competition, with a chance to participate in the nationals.
“As a District we feel as though we’ve already won because our students get the privilege of learning from Desiree each day,” Los Nietos Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez said. “She is a special educator, and a valuable part of the successful learning environment in the Los Nietos School District.”
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