Announcement Marks the Fifth Annual Teacher of the Month Award Program

05/11/11— During a San Francisco Giants’ home plate ceremony at AT&T Park, Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced the ten winners of the 2011 Mayor’s Teacher of the Month Award on National Day of the Teacher.

“I am so proud of all our public school teachers who are educating our youth and preparing them for higher education and the 21st Century workforce,” said Mayor Lee. “Even during these difficult fiscal times, our teachers prioritize our students and provide an enriching environment in the classroom and in our community.”

Established in 2006, the San Francisco Mayor’s Teacher of the Month Award Program is a collaborative project stemming from the City and County of San Francisco and the San Francisco Unified School District. These awards recognize the outstanding San Francisco public school educators for their dedication, professionalism, and work on behalf of the City’s young people.  Recipients of the Mayor’s Award were nominated by the community – parents, youth, educators, administrators, and other community members – for excellence in their classroom, their school, and their City.

Mayor Lee recognized the work of ten outstanding teachers, each representing one month of the 2010-2011 school year (September- June). The Mayor’s Teacher of the Month Award winners honored this year are:
· Steven Bonaccorso – John O’Connell High School
· Sarah Brant – Balboa High School -Peer Resources
· Nina Mayer – George Washington High School - Dance Teacher
· Jean Micheli – McKinley Elementary School
· Juan Novella – Fairmount Elementary School
· Janice Reilly – Commodore Sloat Elementary School
· Luis Sierra – Alvarado Elementary School
· Julie Wong – Noriega Child Development Center
· James Samuel – Presidio Child Development Center
· Dale Richardson – New Traditions Elementary School

Each teacher will receive a check, an award from Tiffany & Co. and gifts and contributions from San Francisco institutions including the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum and Beach Blanket Babylon and from local businesses including merchants from Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, La Boulange, and Paxti Pizza.

Organized by the Office of the Mayor, San Francisco Unified School District, the United Educators of San Francisco and the San Francisco Education Fund, the programs brings together more than 15 community based organizations to promote and recognize the contributions made by San Francisco educators as well as their professionalism and commitment to students across the City.

The nomination and selection process for the Mayor’s Teacher of the Month Award occurs yearly.  Nominations are accepted throughout the year. For more information, go to: www.sfmayor.org/education.