Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher

Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher, an eighth-grade English teacher at LA Unified’s Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes, was named today as one of five California Teachers of the Year for 2015.

All five will be honored at a dinner Monday night in Sacramento, according to an announcement by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

Here’s what Torlakson’s press release had to say about her:

As a mentor, she shares her knowledge and expertise with other teachers so together they can make a greater impact on student learning. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and also encourages other teachers to pursue the highest credential they can.

She believes that parents are an integral part of education and invites them to share in their children’s experiences. If parents are unable to come to the school for conferences, she goes to their homes.

“After these visits, her students’ work began to improve as reflected by their scores on standardized periodic assessments and their overall attitude about school,” wrote Agnes L. Pitlik, assistant principal.

As an immigrant child, Marquez-Prueher’s own school experience in America had a difficult beginning. But she is proud of the fact that she has come full circle, from being considered an outsider and different to becoming a public school teacher who embraces a philosophy that learning is a journey.

The other four winners are Amy Laughlin, Hanson School, Savanna School District in Anaheim; Maggie Mabery, Manhattan Beach Middle School, Manhattan Beach Unified; Christopher O’Connor, St. Helena High School, St. Helena Unified; and Erin Rosselli, Panorama Elementary School, Orange Unified.

“It is an honor to recognize these five incredibly dedicated teachers who devote their energy, passion, and creativity to helping all their students achieve inside and outside the classroom,” Torlakson said. “These teachers have made a huge difference in their students’ lives.”

Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher

Lovelyn Marquez-Preuher, an eighth-grade English teacher at Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes, recently became one of five educators the California Department of Education named California Teacher of the Year.

In an interview with Bob Bravo, LA Unified’s Local Instructional Service Center-South Superintendent, for his weekly podcast, Marquez-Preuher discussed her path to becoming a teacher, a road that included coming to America when she was 9 and struggling to learn English. Marquez-Preuher has been teaching for 11 years, the last six at Dodson.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

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.

Recent California Teachers of the Year honorees from LAUSD include Veronica Marquez (2013), Jose Navarro (2009), Lewis Chappelear (2008) and Kelly Hanock (2006).

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).