Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/905854
WINTER 2017 | ADVOCATE 25 Kinora Hernandez, structured English immersion coach at Kyrene de las Manitas Elementary School in Tempe, Arizona, is one of 38 public educators receiving the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence. On October 27, 2017, Kyrene Education Association and AEA Board member Kinora Hernandez was presented with a $650 check and flowers during a surprise faculty meeting at Kyrene de las Manitas from California Casualty Account Relations Manager Jill Strandquist. Hernandez will also be honored at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, DC on February 9, 2018. The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence are unique: in addition to being recognized for excellence in instructional and professional practice, awardees are nominated by their peers – their NEA state affiliate – for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators. Hernandez said that the most important strategy she gives to the classroom teachers she coaches is to build a relationship with their ELL students and share the joy of learning. "I try to instill the love of learning into my students. Learning takes place when the students are engaged and can relate to what they are learning," she added. Each year, the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala draws almost 1,000 supporters of public education, and thousands more online, to applaud these awardees. At the gala, the educators are truly the stars, celebrated throughout the night with music, performances, videos, and more. The evening gives educators well-deserved recognition for their hard work, personal dedication, and profound influence. During the festivities, which will be streamed at www. neafoundation.org, the nation's top educator will be revealed. "These outstanding educators are innovators, challengers, and global thinkers," said Harriet Sanford, NEA Foundation President and CEO. "We are delighted that California Casualty joins us once again in expressing our shared admiration and thanks for their work." "The California Casualty awardees are the architects of our nation's future," said Beau Brown, California Casualty CEO. "We are thrilled for the opportunity to honor them with the California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence." Kyrene Educator Receives California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence Kinora Hernandez to be recognized by California Casualty and the NEA Foundation at 2018 Washington DC Awards Gala Three AEA Members Named Outstanding Latino Teachers Congratulations to Osborn Education Association President Alexis Aguirre, Mesa Education Association member Guadalupe Cota, and Alhambra District Education Association member Rafael Vazquez for being selected for the 2017 Esperanza Latino Teacher Award by Chicanos Por La Causa. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding educators who are the hope for future generations. The Esperanza Latino Teacher Award is the only awards program that highlights outstanding Latino educators throughout Arizona. Aguirre, Cota, and Vazquez were honored at a celebration in October at the Grand Canyon University Arena for overcoming obstacles in their lives to make a difference in the lives of Arizona's children.