Cypress School District announced that Vessels Teacher, Diane Cardinas is its 2013 Teacher of the Year. Since 1999, the Cypress School District has joined with the Association of Cypress Teachers to recognize outstanding teachers from each site and select one to represent the district at the county level. During the May board meeting, the district recognized all nominees for Teacher of the Year, including Arnold School’s Jan Wright, 3rd grade teacher, King School’s Joann Van der Putten, kindergarten teacher, Landell School’s Melinda Pfafflin, 6th grade teacher, Luther School’s Jennifer Prewitt, Preppie-K teacher and Morris School’s Ann Steinbrink, 3rd grade teacher.
Cardinas will represent the district in the Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year program, supported by the Schools First Federal Credit Union, Disneyland, and many other prominent private donors.
Being selected as a nominee is an outstanding accomplishment, because it reflects the consensus viewpoint of these teachers’ colleagues that they represent the epitome of the teaching profession in terms of attitude, classroom skills, relationships with children and professionalism. As the teacher selected by her peers from among these nominees, Cardinas was presented with a plaque to acknowledge her accomplishment. Additionally, Cypress Rotary Club representative, Midge Jones presented her with a plaque and a check from the service club, in memory of former Cypress School District Superintendent Dr. William Eller.
This year marks the first that Cypress School District has nominated a classified employee for the Orange County Classified School Employee of the Year. They nominated Vickie Ohlman, King School administrative secretary, for her daily contributions to the health, safety, and success of the students, families and staff members of the Cypress School District.
Also honored this month were Aerin Mun, Korean translator, and Jackie Mooneyham, special education secretary. Mun was recognized at the inaugural “Celebrating Success for English Learners” awards ceremony. This event recognizes the achievements of those meeting the needs of English learners. Mooneyham was recognized by the Greater Anaheim Special Education Local Plan Area Community Advisory Committee, which annually acknowledges outstanding contributors to the education of students with exceptional needs.