LA Unified’s County Teachers of the Year, from left, Maria Medina-Perez, Martha Garibay, Carol Sun, Daniel Jocz, Claudine Phillips, May-Lynn Geronimo and Chanelle Thomas.

A record seven LA Unified educators  were among 16 who have been named Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year. They are now in the running for the California Teacher of the Year award. The state winner moves up to the national competition, which will be held next spring.

“I am so proud of our teachers. They are the dedicated and compassionate instructors in the classroom who help our students achieve educational excellence,” said Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines. “They awaken, brighten and influence the lives of young people and help shape the minds of the future.”

These are the seven:

• Martha Garibay, a first grade teacher at 52nd Street Elementary School.
• Daniel Jocz, a US history teacher at Downtown Business Magnet High School.
• Maria Medina-Perez, an algebra teacher at South Gate High School
• May-Lynn Geronimo Montano, a fourth grade teacher at Harbor City Elementary.
• Claudine Phillips, a second grade teacher at Roscomare Road Elementary School.
• Carol Sun, a resource specialist at Harvard Elementary School.
• Chanelle Thomas, a fourth grade teacher at Denker Avenue Elementary School.

Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher (LAUSD photo)

A middle-school teacher at LA Unified has been named one of five recipients of the 2015 California Teachers of the Year Award from the California Department of Education.

Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher is an eighth-grade English teacher at Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes. She has been teaching for 11 years, the last six at Dodson.

Marquez-Prueher was an immigrant child to the U.S and experienced a difficult beginning in school but has embraced the teaching philosophy that learning is a journey, according to a district press release.

“I intend on using what I learn about myself to understand the diversity and culture of every child that walks through my classroom door,” Marquez-Prueher said in a statement. “Through this, I believe that I can ensure that all students learn to function effectively in today’s diverse society.”

Newly-installed interm Superintendent Ramon Cortines offered his praise.

“The award salutes her dedication, passion, and commitment to achieve educational excellence for her students,” Cortines said in a statement.

One of the five winners will be chosen to enter the National Teacher of the Year award, which will be given out by President Obama in April.

“I am thrilled for Ms. Marquez-Prueher, Dodson Middle School, and LAUSD,” said Instructional Area Superintendent-South Robert Bravo in a statement. “I had the pleasure of visiting her classroom with Dodson Principal (John) Vladovic just a few weeks ago and I know first-hand she is a gifted teacher and completely worthy of the recognition.”

John Vladovic is the son of LA Unified board president, Richard Vladovic.

Recent California Teachers of the Year honorees from LAUSD include Veronica Marquez (2012), Jose Navarro (2009), Lewis Chappelear (2008) and Kelly Hanock (2006).