The Long Beach Post - News, Life, Business, Sports

Ms. Jahn is a teacher at Lakewood High School. She teaches English and AVID. She is a great teacher to the kids. She's down to earth and treats them nicely. 3 of my children have had her and currently have her. If they could have Ms. Jahn all day they would. She really listens to her kids and treats them like they should be

Ms. Patricia "Tish" Bonner, LBUSD Madison School, grade 3 is the very best teacher in Long Beach. She was honored this year as one of three Teachers of the Year in LBUSD, and received honorable mention by the LA County of Education as one of twenty-five semi-finalists for the county-wide award.

But, beyond these accolades (and many others) the truest measure of her teaching excellence over the course of her thirty plus year career, is that she consistently and on a daily basis emphasizes scholarliness and ethical citizenship among her students, promotes parent-teacher collaboration, assists her fellow teacher colleagues, has served as a master teacher to a number of university student teachers, and is well respected by administrators through-out the LBUSD.

Tish Bonner is, to put it simply, the kind of teacher we would all wish to educate our children and be an honored member of our community.

I have twins that attend Burcham Elementary School. Both are students in the Music program and have a sincere passion for music thanks to their Music teacher Mrs. Kari Ivey. Kari Ivey goes above and beyond for her musicians and the dedication is amazing. She gives her own time before and afterschool for tutoring and special instruction. She oozes passion and love for her students. You can feel how much she loves her job and how much the kids respect and idolize her. She brings new music and happiness to Burcham. I wish all kids could be a part of our music program. If students don't have instruments she finds a way to teach them and loan them instruments. She is Golden, and deserves to be recognized for her amazing talents!!!!

Mrs. Cocci 3rd Grade, David Burcham School LBUSD.
Is the best teacher! She loves teaching the third grade challenges her students, my son included, to excel!

I am nominating the entire CAMS physical education staff as the best teachers around. I invite you to visit CAMS and see a model physical education program in action. The teachers are:
Melinda Decker
Juliette King
Scott Levester
Debby Martin
Erika Stevens

DIANE NYQUIST
DIANE iS good teacher, one who is always willing to help his/her students. She doesn't stop teaching when the bell rings,
reaches out to students after class,and knows that some need extra attention or assistance. I think there are alot of people out there who belief this to be true.

Mrs. Amy Breceda is an outstanding teacher. She motivates all of her students with creative and challenging assignments. She is kind but firm and has NO discipline problems. Her love of teaching is quite clear by the hours she spends on preparing the perfect lesson plans and tending to each students' needs. I have never seen students so eager and enthusiastic about learning. Mrs. Breceda is a shining star.

I must concur with what many others have said. Tim Ching, of Rogers Middle School, is an extraordinary physical education teacher.

I would nominate Leon Forman, former Poly HS Athletic Coach /teacher, and Ben Cunningham, formerly Journalism/History teacher at LBCC if they were still alive today. I know that this may be a “post” for those that may still be “among the living,” but I believe that some of those exceptional teachers of the past may affect the spirit of those that have chosen to go into teaching. Some outstanding people shape outstanding leaders. Of course there are MANY more, but that may do for now.

I nominate Katie Hickox, English Teacher of Millikan High School for Best Teacher of the Year. She truly cares that each of her students find their way and succeeds in life now and beyond high school.

By far Doug Heath! 4th grade Cubberley Elementary School. The most passionate and effective teacher around. I had him 11 years ago and remember everything he taught. He is the authority on California History. Long Beach is lucky to have him.

Mrs. Cocchi! David Burcham Elementary School, Grade 3, Take one step into her classroom and you will immediately understand why she deserves such an honor, her hard work with the kids is evident on every desk, taped to every wall, and even hanging from the ceiling! She teaches and expects our children to do their best, she is stern but never unfriendly, kind but not coddling, she understands how to teach effectively, how to reach our children, and actually cares that she reaches each and every one of them. She is more than a model teacher, she is the model that should set the standard, she is amazing, and I feel truly blessed that my son was able to spend this school year under her guidence. She is a marvelous teacher, and clearly a wonderful woman, a true gift to the LBUSD.

I am proud to nominate Tim Ching as an outstanding physical education teacher. Mr. Ching has close to 30 years of experience working with middle school students at Rogers. He is organized, diligent, and almost single-handedly keeps the department a top-notch program and a fun experience for the students. He has never cut corners on standards, and has strived to meet every school-wide requirement, even when certain things asked of him didn't seem to be relevant to P.E. classes. In the face of many budget cuts, he has continued to maintain the facility, the equipment, and has kept Rogers P.E. a 1st class program.

I nominate Mrs. Weinberg from Millikan High School. She is a special ed teacher in an M/S (moderate/severe) class. Her class is made up of ten students, 9 of which are in wheelchairs. They range from having brain damage to autism to Cerebral Palsy. In spite of this, Mrs. Weinberg has been able to connect with each one of them and treats them as equals. Where others would see 10 students who can't be taught anything, Mrs. Weinberg saw students with potential, where others see disabilities, she sees their abilities. Due to her determination to make her students shine academically and socially, one of her students was able to be in a poetry contest as well as go to Improv club on a regular basis. Another of her students now has a voice box because she proved to others that he was intelligent enough to use one. Another student, who has been at Millikan for 6 years, now has a friend for the first time. He is 21 years old. More to follow...

I would like to nominate Mr.Burt, a US History teacher at Long Beach Poly for one of the Best Teachers in Long Beach. This isn't just a job to him and I can tell he really cares about his students. He takes the time out to help you not only raise your grade, but learn something in the process. He schedules Field trips and other learning opportunities so we aren't always sitting behind a desk. In class, he plays song and videos that relate to our topic and he makes leanring so much more fun. I'd like to commend him for being such an influential person in my life.

Part I: We enthusiastically nominate Ms. Gail Schack, first grade teacher at John C. Fremont Elementary School. In her 38 years of teaching, Ms. Schack has always believed in children’s abilities to reach their full potential, which is why she and one other colleague initiated the GATE program for 1st and 2nd graders in LBUSD more than 28 years ago. To this day, she gently pushes her “scholars,” as she refers to them, to stretch their abilities in core subjects with high expectations, while offering many tools of support for life skills. She models the qualities that she nurtures in her students, such as optimism, integrity, commitment to scholarship, respect, and compassion both inside and outside the classroom. She donates countless hours of her free time to support the work of our active PTA. Among many accomplishments, she initiated an effort to install a “Community Bench” on campus, to honor departed loved ones.

I nominate Jendella Henderson, a 3rd grade teacher at Los Cerritos School in the LBUSD. Ms. Henderson teaches her students beyond the CA state standards, teaching them metacognitive aspects of learning through Bloom's Taxonomy. An accomplished basketball player at UCLA, Ms. Henderson challenges the physical education aspects of her students, taking her class across the street to take advantage of the open spaces at Los Cerritos Park. My two children, both a daughter and son, have benefitted from the experience of Ms. Henderson, and I hope you consider her.

I would like to nominate Diana Weinberg. This woman has not only introduced me to my best friend Josh Hendley, who also doubles as my best buddy, but she has also postively affected every single person she has met in her entire teaching career. She has managed to inspire special education and general education alike she is a true testament to what Long Beach teachers should be: caring, compassionate, understanding, nurturing, and very truly deserving of this recognition. Not only would it mean the world to her, but it would give the recognition to the Millikan special education students who work so very hard every day.

I would like to nominate mrs. groen 5th grade teacher at lakewood Christian schools. She is amazingly fun and hands on. she can not only be your teacher but a friend also. she really deserves this. She is a servent and a light for God.

I nominate Mrs. Danielle Chung from Fremont Elementary. She turned my shy creative daughter into a confident and talented student. She'll always have a special place in my little girl's heart. She is fun and practical and excited about teaching. She also gives the kind of love and support that only a Mom can give--but better because she's a teacher!

I would like to recommend Tim Ching(P.E. teacher/Rogers) as one of the best teachers is L.B. I have worked with Tim for many years and he is one of the best I have observed. He consistently works hard at providing a meaningful, fun-filled and standards-based P.E program for all of his students. He is highly organized, works well with others and is totally committed to his profession. Please consider Tim as a deserving recepient of this recognition.

Angie Moreno, Toddler Teacher at Children Today's Play House West. Angie is profoundly committed to the children she serves; children who desperately need a quality education at an early age. She is one of the best!

I would like to nominate Jan Ballard from Long Beach Polytechnic highschool. Ms. Ballard is an outstanding english teacher who, unlike most, respectfully treats us like the young adults that we are. Her teaching methods are strict but benefitial. She pushes all her students to do their best. I believe she sees more potential in all of us than we see in ourselves. Ms. Ballard also shares personal experiences which adds fun to each lesson. Her outgoing, fun personality makes it a pleasure to be in class. I feel honored to be able to have a teacher that sincerely cares about they're students future and is there to help prepare.

I would like to nominate Maggi Twinem at Wilson High School who is a PE teacher and girls swim coach. She coached both of my daughters throughout their high school careers and she has extremely dedicated integrity and stands behind her beliefs. It was a wonderful time in our lives and Maggi made a huge contribution to our lives and high school experiences.

I would like to nominate Mr. Doug Heath of Cubberley K-8. He is an expert on California history and makes learning a fun, hands on, and unique experience. I am entering my senior year of college and throughout my entire educational experience, I have never had a teacher or professor who taught with as much passion and enthusiasm as Mr. Heath does on a daily basis. It has been over a decade since I was sitting in his fourth grade class and I could honestly say that he is the best teacher I have ever had, and his class was one of the most unique and outstanding learning experiences that any fourth grader could ever have.

I nominate Professor Ardel Guillamas Avelino, RN, faculty of the Long Beach City College RN program. He is highly regarded for his brilliance, young age and impressive style of teaching. He graduated from the same nursing program in 2002, so he is well versed and understanding of how rigorous the curriculum is. I had the honor of having him as clinical instructor during my ICU rotation. He was tough, demanded a lot and made you work diligently. He brought the best out of all his students and transformed them to be great in giving patient care, including me. In spite of his stern expectations, he was extremely supportive and guided each of us. He taught us excellent critical thinking, assessment skills, how to become patient advocates and to have passion and compassion in nursing. He was very observant on how we treated our patients and demanded that we gave them respect and dignity. He was a staunch supporter of students and motivated those who did not have much or low self-esteem. He is a spirit booster and one who really strives to see students succeed--he is so genuine. His background is intensive care so he really knows the content he teaches. He is a bit of a hardcore in appearance, but deep inside, he has a heart of gold. He has a great sense of humor and quick witted. What students admire the most about him are his accomplishments at such a young age( it think he was a teacher at LBCC at age 25) and his ability to help students aspire and succeed that they, too, can do it. He holds a masters degree in healthcare administration and graduated with highest honors at CSULB (in fact, you will see a picture of him in the LBCC video). Now he is pursuing a doctorate degree. Professor Ardel is the epitome of a remarkable educator and motivator. If there is anyone worthy of a teaching recognition, Professor Ardel would be the one!

I would love to nominate Jenny Groen. She is a 5th grade teacher at Lakewood Christian School. Not only is she dedicated to teaching 5th grade but she is dedicated in teaching something this country lacks....values and character. She could make a lot more money teaching in the public school system but has chosen Christian schools solely due to her faith and love in God. She highly motivates her students and challenges them to do their best. She changes her teaching style to suit her students rather than require them to change to suit her teaching style. She is young, dynamic and well respected. She is truly one of the most phenominal teachers I have seen in the past 9 years of my children's schooling years. Please consider adding this fine teacher to your top ten list.

I would like to nominate Sandy Lucas, an Art teacher at Millikan H.S. in Long Beach. Sandy not only teaches Drawing and Painting 3-4, she also is the driving force behind the Art department teachers to have the Millikan students enter their work in local and national art shows and competitions. Many of her students have received awards & scholarships and without her help they may have missed out on these great opportunities. She has a great rapport with her students. At least seven Long Beach Art teachers were inspired by her in the past 38 years because they had Mrs. Lucas as their teacher and they made the choice to give back what they learned from Mrs. Lucas. She will retire this June after a very successful career at Millikan and Jordan High Schools. I hope she is one of your top ten choices because she deserves it!

I would like to nominate Tracy Braido of Newcomb Academy. She is a 5th grade English teacher who has the ability to turn your child's writing ability upside down. Her love of writing and mastery of English inspires all who meet her. She will encourage and convince any 5th grader to become the next great American author. Hurrah for Ms. Braido

Tim Ching is one of those few teachers who does his job, supports the students, parents, staff and community ALWAYS. The remarks we receive from the parents is ALWAYS positive. Tim Ching is an excellent teacher who teaches with vigor, compassion, respect, enthusiasm, and love for his students. He is positive and engaging with students and parents. Students from his past are always stopping by to say hello to Mr. Ching. Mr. Ching is a FABULOUS teacher whom we all respect and admire for his talents.

Wow, so many great teachers nominated, but I think I have to give my nod to Ms Candlearia who was at Stevens Middle School and is now at Cabrillo School. My son is currently in her PE class, and LOVES PE. Not only has Ms C. made PE fun and rewarding and fair for all students, she has kept in touch with me throughout the year and is always available for both students and parents. Her enthusiasm for PE is contagious and inspiring. Who ever thought High school PE could be so great? she is truly magical.

I nominate Mrs. Weinberg for the best teacher in Long Beach. She has done so much for the Best Buddies Program at our school not only helping the special needs students, but general education as well. She was there for me when I was going through some rough times earlier this year. It was very hard and I was overwhelmed with grief from the loss and stress from school assignments, but Mrs. Weinberg was there to offer help and be there for me. She has done so much for her students and I haven't had a way of thanking her.. until now. PLEASE CHOOSE MRS. WEINBERG FOR BEST TEACHER IN LONG BEACH.

I nominate Mrs.Valentine from Long Beach Poly High School. I have known her for four years. She have helped me overcome my struggles. She also helped me to improve my math skills. She is also my mother figure. She never give up on her students for no reasons. She is a strongly believer in Chirst. I just wish I can take her to colege with me. She is a remarkle,strong, mature young lady.

I would solely like to nominate Mrs. Jeanne Vitale from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. She is my A.P. English Literature teacher this year and she is by far the best English teacher I have ever had in my life! Of other teachers, Mrs. Vitale has taught me to improve myself in my writing, reading, and critical thinking. She is straight forward with her grading process and tells each student what they need to work on. Some of her lectures are based on life experiences that I can relate to. It also relates itself to the A.P. English curriculum. From beginning of the year to the end, Mrs. Vitale has applied her great teaching through her lesson plans. She has definitely taught and prepared me in the best possible way for the A.P. test and for college.

I believe Sandy Lucas, an Art Teacher at Millikan High School deserves to be selected as one of your top ten teachers in Long Beach. She has taught at Jordan and Millikan. She has accumulated 38 years with LBUSD. She has mentored 27 student teachers during her career. Sandy is not only a teacher but, she is also involved in many activities at the school.She has dovoted 100's of hours to the district's Special Education Dance at Millikan, the Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction, and Mr. Ram.She has encouraged her art students to participate in local and national contests to earn money for college by her mentorship. She never says "No" to help a student, teacher, or staff member in need even
when it is at the last minute. She embodies what RAM HIGH is all about.

i would like to nominate Mrs. Weinberg from Millikan High School for the best teacher in long beach. I nominated her because she has dedicated her work to helping children with disabilities and also helped with general education.She potential in them will for themselves t push them selves to the maximum point. She has tough them a lot and they are getting smarter and smarter each day. My brother is in best buddies with Mrs. Weinberg. He has a Buddie with disabilities and they have been buddies ever since they have met thanks to Mrs. Weinberg. When i have stress in my life i usually go to her and she really gives me good information either on how to fix it or to like move past it. Thats why i wold like to nominate Mrs. Weinberg as the best teacher in long beach.

I want to nominate Ms. shelly . She teaches at Newcomb in the second grade. She has been in teaching over 30 years and has traveled around the world not only as a tourist but as as a teacher. Ms. Shelly brings her years of experience as well her years of exploring the world into her classroom. She is excellent at teaching all levels of learners. She is creative and allows creativity in her room. All that i can say is she meets the needs of all students and that is why she should be recognized as one of LB top teachers.

My vote for best teacher of the year is Kari Ivey, Music Teacher at Burcham. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her music program and her students is superior.

Kari Ivey is a wonderful teacher to my grand daughter. She loves playing flute due to the outstanding instruction of her teacher. The kids show the utmost respect for her because of her compassion she shows everyday she teaches her students.

Mrs. Braido at Newcomb Academy is one of the most dedicated, understanding, supportive, intelligent, thoughtful, caring teachers I have every met. My 5th grade daughter is blessed to have her this year, and we will miss her next year.

Miss Becky Peterson at Emerson Elementary School. She's the BEST!

I would like to nominate Dr. Deborah Thien, feminist geographer and professor in the Geography Department at California State University, Long Beach. I never encountered a professor who showed great care for her students and was incredibly influential with her creative teaching style. She has enlightened and encouraged me to be an advocate in social change and to do so much more with my life in the past year than I had ever felt support for or motivated to do during my first seven years at CSULB. Dr. Deborah Thien continues to play a critical role in my life helping to continue my career as an academic, an advocate, a leader, and a feminist.

Wow Mr. Salmingo Ur Solid.