Elizabeth Craig has been teaching mathematics at Canyon High School since 1999, has taught Advanced Placement Calculus since 2001 and has served as Math Department chair since 2002. She also teaches upper division math classes for teachers through the University of California at Los Angeles. "Students are unique," Craig reflected. "It is my job to make sure that each and every one of them leaves my class understanding the mathematical concepts that will help them succeed."

Lorraine Fulleman has been a teacher librarian at Sierra Vista Junior High School since 2000. She has made the library a focal point for students with such innovative programs as lunchtime guest speakers, outreach to local elementary schools, contests and an historical Ellis Island simulation. "Literacy is a skill, and the love of reading is a joy," Fulleman explains. "A library needs to be a dynamic learning hub for the campus."

Rob Frechette has more than 18 years of experience at teaching and coaching children, and has been a special education teacher at Hart High School since 2003. He uses the tools learned on the ice rink or football field to guide his classroom approach. "Students in my class are heard, respected and challenged," he said. "(They) know that they are held accountable for their actions at all times and that their attitudes will help to dictate their successes in life."

Fayanne Gabel came to the Hart District in 2004 as a mathematics teacher at Hart High School and joined the staff at West Ranch High School in 2007. At West Ranch, she has served as intervention coordinator and co-chair of the Math Department and has served as a district staff development presenter. "Not only can every child do math, but every child can be extremely successful in it, if you recognize their individual needs and work to differentiate their instruction," she says.

Fidel Garcia has been a special education junior high school teacher at Sequoia Learning Charter since joining the Hart District in 2007. He also teaches high school physical education and is the school's athletic director. "As a teacher I strive to create a fun environment in which to learn and at the same time a challenging environment," he explains. "I believe all students can and want to learn. All this begins with the creation of a positive and mutually respectful teacher student relationship."

Lee Gately started his career in the Hart District in 2001 as a math teacher and team leaders at La Mesa Junior High School. He became part of the original leadership team at Rancho Pico Junior High in 2004 and has served as math teacher, exploratory teacher, department chair, team leader and MathCounts coordinator. "Our classrooms should be shelters for every child," he reflects, citing the difficulties facing many students at junior high age.

Greg Herrick came to the Hart District in 1979 and taught at Bowman and Hart high schools before joining the staff of Academy of the Canyons in 2004. In addition to teaching social studies, he serves as department chair and his school's diversity liaison. "I believe that teaching is like taking public transportation in a foreign country," he explained. "You have to trust that the driver knows where he/she is going. I want the students to trust that I, like the driver, am taking them where they want to go."

Jamie Herrington has been a social studies teacher at Bowman High School since 1998, after serving for a year as a long-term substitute teacher and summer school U.S. History teacher at Hart High. She is Social Studies Department chair at Bowman and served as a Model Continuation High School team member in 2007. "I believe what I offer my students extends far beyond the classroom and into their personal lives and maturation process," she noted.

Carolyn Hoffman first taught at Golden Oak Adult School for four years, then transferred to Golden Valley High School in 2004. She is English Department chair, cheer advisor, Safe Schools coordinator, English language development coordinator, and a member of the school's leadership team. Hoffman has turned her classroom into a tropical oasis where her at-risk English language learner students experience a safe learning environment.

Joanna Johnson came to the Hart District in 2004 as a special education teacher at Arroyo Seco Junior High School. She is the Special Education Department chair and implemented the school's model program for collaboration and inclusion. Under her leadership, Arroyo Seco "has evolved into a professional learning community that has embraced the concept of inclusive education, both academically and socially, for our special education students."

Jeanette Kratofil filled a long-term substitute role at Hart High in the 1996-97 school year, then returned to teach at Rio Norte Junior High in 2005. She teaches the Exploratory PEACE class for seventh graders, which emphasizes issues of cultural diversity and tolerance. "PEACE is designed to encourage students to pay more attention to each other and to the world around them," she explains. "It is based on sharing."

Frank Koroshec has been teaching English at Saugus High School for four years, having joined the Hart District as a substitute teacher from 1999 through 2004. He has served as a mentor to both newly hired teachers and low performing students. "Students desire a teacher who cares about them and is interested in their lives," he commented. "Once a teacher has proven himself or herself in this, the classroom becomes a very exciting place."

John Minkus has been a special day class teacher at Valencia High School since 1998, where he is also a department chair. He is currently teaching three levels of English, but in the past has also taught Modern Civilization, U.S. History and Government/Economics. He also is the school's golf coach and Key Club advisor. "All that is asked of the student is effort; improvement then will come," he explained. "That is success."

Christine Parr is an English Language Development (EL) teacher and the ELD Coordinator at Placerita Junior High. She worked at Canyon High School for four years as an English teacher and transferred to Placerita to follow her true passion, working with students for whom English is a second language. "I've experienced the joys and struggles of teaching junior high students and in the end, I wouldn't trade their enthusiasm nor the wonderful relationships I share with my ELD students for anything in the world," she commented.

Jeffrey Stephan's first teaching assignment was at La Mesa Junior High, where he has been on the staff since 2000. He teaches instrumental music, three levels of band, jazz band, bilingual education (Spanish) and rock climbing. "When people have asked me 'What do you do for a living?' I have always responded that I teach confidence," he confided. "The powers of uniting students to motivate, support and learn from each other is truly awesome."

Sheila Theuer has taught parent education classes for Golden Oak Adult School since 1978. She also facilitates the valley's sole parenting program for parents of English learners and is heavily involved in family literacy development. She is proud of the 13 "recycled babies" in her program—former toddlers who now attend as parents!