Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/792936
www.ParentingOC.com 50 Parenting OC Magazine | March 2017 Allison Carey North Youth Services Center, Anaheim As an alternative education teacher, Allison facilitates learning in her classroom by having students take ownership and interest in their learning. Her students are with her for only a short period of time before they transition back to their district school. Allison takes an active role in the Instructional Leadership Corps, Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education, and the National Board Resource Center. Al- lison equips other teachers with an increased capacity to enrich instruction and assessment practices in the classroom and improve student learning. The impact seen in Allison's class is due to a deliberate focus on having students understand what they are learning, why it is important, and how they can apply it to their life, career, and learning. Allison is having a lasting impact on students who have not had much success in school and are at risk of not graduating. Her training, passion for learning, and dedication is making a difference in the lives of students every day. Beverly Debreczeni Fairmont Private Schools - Historic Anaheim, Anaheim From live-action drama performances to literary gift-exchanges, the instruction in Mrs. Debreczeni's class is a master-course in what it means to be student-centered, dynamic, and engaging. At fi rst glance, Mrs. Debreczeni's teaching appears to be effortless, but underneath her soft smile is an approach to learn- ing that is strategic and deliberate. Mrs. Debreczeni intimately knows the strengths and growth targets for each of her students and expertly designs lessons to complement their unique needs. Mrs. Debreczeni leads students to not only understand diffi cult concepts, but to foster a lifetime love of literature and learning. She has helped coach our pentathlon team to a national championship, founded Poetry Cafe, a lunchtime showcase for teachers and students, and served as an advisor to our National Junior Honor Society. Through her patience, kindness, and direction, Mrs. Debreczeni fosters a classroom of hopes and dreams where students are invited to explore their talents and share their stories. Each student is valued and celebrated, and everyone can achieve.