Parenting OC magazine is accepting nominations for its School Heroes of Orange County program, which will honor exemplary local teachers and school employees.
Parents, students and administrators are encouraged to make the case for their favorite elementary, middle and high school teachers by Dec. 27, highlighting the ways they’ve gone above and beyond to inspire excitement for learning throughout an extremely challenging year.
There’s also a separate category for non-certificated school staff members who make outsized contributions behind the scenes, including custodians, instructional assistants, office clerks, technicians and bus drivers.
Finally, a new accolade will make its debut this year. The Leadership Award is considered a lifetime achievement honor for educators who have devoted their careers to education, paved the way for others, and created positive change.
All applications must be approved by each school’s principal or site director and submitted by Dec. 27. You can find out more about the criteria, categories and nomination process at parentingoc.com/top-teachers.
The School Heroes of Orange County recognition program is not to be confused with OCDE’s Orange County Teachers of the Year, which annually advances finalists to compete for state Teacher of the Year honors.
Parenting OC’s Top Teacher will be featured in the magazine’s March 2021 issue, which will celebrate dozens of school heroes across all categories.
Last year, Kasia Givenrod, an adapted physical education specialist for the Brea Olinda Unified School District, was selected as the Top Teacher of Orange County by the publication’s editorial staff. Alphonse Nguyen of the International School of Orange County was named Top Employee.
For more information on the awards program, contact Madison Amirehteshami at madison@parentingoc.com or 714-630-4510.