Kristi Knode (formerly Kristi Kettler) of La Mesa’s Murray Manor Elementary School is among 42 public-school teachers to be honored at a black-tie, Academy Awards-style ceremony Saturday at Balboa Theater in downtown San Diego.
"She really does represent the highest ideals of the teaching profession. What really impresses me about Kristi is her tenacity to see every single one of her students reach the highest levels of success," said Murray Manor principal Guido Magliato. "Teaching, re-teaching, before school, after school...whatever it takes. Last year she taught all 6th graders mathematics. Results of the State Testing revealed she got those students to a 90 percent proficient and advanced rating. That's amazing!"
The top prize: being named one of five county Teachers of the Year.
The 22nd Annual Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers—sponsored by Ashford University and others—ultimately recognizes the county's 26,000 public school teachers, organizers say.
Promoters say: “San Diego County school districts have nominated 42 of their best and brightest teachers, who were selected based on student achievement, teaching philosophy, familiarity with current issues in education and community involvement.”
Five Teachers of the Year will be announced during the live awards show.
These five will go on to compete for state and national Teacher of the Year honors.
This year’s event will feature musical and dance performances by local students and videos that highlight “the wonderful work our local teachers perform each and every day,” promoters say.
The show will be on Channel 4 San Diego and in high definition on Channel 1004.
Among nominees for 2013 San Diego County Teacher of the Year are:
- Elizabeth Lewellen of Pendleton Elementary School in the Fallbrook Union School District.
- Karly Johnstone of Chaparral High School in the Grossmont Union High School District
- Maxine Sagapolutele of El Cajon Valley High School in the Grossmont Union High School District
- Melissa Armstrong of Lakeside Middle School.
- Kristin Alianelli of San Miguel Elementary in the Lemon Grove School District.
- Laura Griffin of Ivey Ranch Elementary School in the Oceanside Unified School District of Mission Elementary School.
- Luz Meza-Miller of Mission Elementary School in the Oceanside Unified School District.
- Megan Power of Del Sur Elementary School in the Poway Unified School District.
- Anthony Bayro of Los Penasquitos Elementary School in the Poway Unified School District.
- Martin Reisert of Oak Valley Middle School in the Poway Unified School District
- Jennifer McSparran of Mt. Woodson Elementary in the Ramona Unified School District
- Joey Sutera of Carlton Oaks School in the Santee School District.
- Chandra Goodnough of Mar Vista Middle School in the Sweetwater Union High School District.
A complete list of the 42 nominees is attached.
