At the annual awards dinner held September 21 at the Sacramento Hilton, the following were announced as "Teachers of the Year 2000" for Sacramento County: Pete LeBlanc, journalism teacher and student activities director at Center High School, and Doreen Pendleton, kindergarten teacher at Folsom Hills Elementary. LeBlanc and Pendleton each received a commemorative Award of Merit from the Sacramento County Board of Education, and they will share possession of a perpetual trophy presented by the Sacramento Scottish Rite. The two educators now advance to the California Teachers of the Year competition in November.
LeBlanc and Pendleton were among 14 teachers recognized Tuesday evening as Teachers of the Year 2000 for their respective school districts. Each of the 14 honorees was escorted by his or her superintendent and principal, and introduced by a current or former student. Serving as master of ceremonies for the evening was KFBK reporter Bret Burkhart.
Next Step: Statewide Competition
Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2000 Pete LeBlanc and Doreen Pendleton now advance to the statewide competition, out of which five teachers will be chosen as California Teachers of the Year. The five California Teachers of the Year are responsible for representing the teaching profession in a variety of settings and assisting their teaching colleagues in numerous ways throughout the calendar year of 2000. Their names, and that of the one individual of the group to be selected as the state’s nominee to the National Teacher of the Year Program, will be announced in early November by the California Department of Education. Salvador Arriaga, Coordinator of the California Teachers of the Year Program, may be contacted for additional information at (916) 657-2926.
Sacramento Kings to Honor Teachers of the Year During 1999–00 NBA Season
The Sacramento Kings will recognize all 14 Teachers of the Year 2000 at the Kings vs. Orlando Magic NBA game Thursday, January 20, 2000. The game starts at 7:30 pm at ARCO Arena in Sacramento. Each of the Teachers of the Year and a guest will be hosted by the Kings for a pre-game dinner and will view the basketball game from complimentary seats. Tickets for the game will be available to all teachers, parents, and schools at a discounted price. Ticket order forms are available by contacting Carl Kuhn at the Kings, (916) 928-8117.
About the Teachers of the Year Program
All school districts within the County of Sacramento, along with the Sacramento County Office of Education, may participate in the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program. Because of their size, three districts — Elk Grove, Sacramento City, and San Juan Unified — are eligible to submit two entries. Each district’s Teacher of the Year completes a comprehensive application packet, which includes an extensive biography and answers to questions ranging from personal philosophy of teaching to an understanding of current educational issues. A community selection committee comprised of education professionals, including previous Teachers of the Year, meets mid-September to interview each district Teacher of the Year and select the two finalists. The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is presented by the Sacramento County Office of Education in conjunction with the Sacramento County School Boards Association. Sponsors include the Sacramento Kings/Knight/Monarchs and the Sacramento Kings Community Foundation, 3-D International, and the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry.
For more information, contact the Sacramento County Office of Education Public Information Office at (916) 228-2416.
