Bob Crongeyer, a 5th-6th grade GATE class teacher at Taylor Street School (Robla School District), and Jennifer Ellerman, a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at California Middle School (Sacramento City Unified School District), were honored by the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry at a special event on April 16.
The two Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2013 spoke to the gathering about what inspired them to join the teaching profession, about the challenges in education, using current technology to engage students, having students take responsibility for their learning, and building a caring community where students help each other rise to higher academic accomplishments. Mr. Crongeyer and Ms. Ellerman were each presented with a commemorative trophy by representatives from the Scottish Rite.
Historically, the Grand Master of Freemasons for the State of California has declared April as Public Schools Month each year. This tradition started in 1920 when Public Schools Week was first introduced. The occasion later became Public Schools Month and has been a yearly tradition ever since. Public Schools Month supports quality public education that is free to all citizens, and emphasizes public education as a fundamental asset in our country.
On Friday, April 26, the Sacramento County District Teachers of the Year 2013 will be honored during Teacher Appreciation Night when the Sacramento River Cats host the Salt Lake Bees at Raley Field. On March 8, before thousands of cheering and supportive fans, the teachers were also honored on the court at Sleep Train Arena during the Sacramento Kings/Phoenix Suns game.
Business partners supporting the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year program have been Maloof Sports and Entertainment, the Sacramento River Cats, the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry, the Intel Corporation Folsom, and Chrysler.