Claudio Alcantar is a music teacher for grades 6-8 at Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy. He coordinates and directs students in music performances such as the marching band’s participation in the February 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. He launches our students to perform at many venues as well as local and regional competitions. Mr. Alcantar produces winter and spring concerts for the community along with the student awards ceremonies for all of his students. He works tirelessly with families and the school community to improve student achievement and our students develop professionalism under his leadership. He has an outstanding rapport with students, and students rise up to his standards in music. Students in his classroom develop a positive self-image where trial and error is part of the learning process. Mr. Alcantar’s students develop perseverance and reap its rewards by being a part of a successful, district-renowned music program.

Mrs. Sandra Chacon-Ryan teaches a Kinder/First Dual Language class at Bushnell Way Elementary School. Sandra has taught at this school for over 34 years and has been part of the Highland community throughout her teaching career. Mrs. Ryan played a vital role over six years ago in starting the Dual Language program at Bushnell Way. She attends district events to promote and recruit students to the school and the program. Mrs. Ryan has also been a member of the Local School Leadership Council for two decades and advocates for school events and resources that are accessible and equitable for all students. Mrs. Ryan goes above and beyond to ensure she meets the needs of her students. She promotes in students biliteracy, biculturalism, and multilingualism. She has been part of the Herman Neighborhood Council for years in the Educational Committee, where they provide grants for our school to buy school equipment. Mrs. Ryan has served as UTLA Chapter Co-chair at Bushnell Way for over 18 years and has helped to mobilize parents to fight co-location.

Lisa Gee has been a dedicated teacher at Van Gogh Charter Elementary for over 25 years. Ms. Gee, who currently teaches third grade, consistently goes above and beyond to create a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging, and tailored to the unique needs of every student Through hands-on activities, collaborative learning experiences, technology integration, or individualized scaffolding, Lisa Gee ensures that every student has the tools and support needed to succeed. Through a deep understanding of how students learn best, Ms. Gee seamlessly connects students’ prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests to educational and behavioral goals, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and relevant. 

Jennifer Morris Barbee is an exceptional 10th -12th grade math teacher at Narbonne High School, inspiring students through engaging instruction and innovative teaching methods. As the Edgenuity Credit Recovery coordinator, she provides struggling students with a second chance to succeed, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to academic achievement. In her role as Math Department Chair, she enhances curricula and mentors educators, fostering professional growth and collaboration. As a UTLA Chapter Chair and UTLA Cluster Leader, Mrs. Morris Barbee plays a crucial role in advocating for educators’ rights, ensuring that teachers’ voices are heard in the decision-making process. Mrs. Morris Barbee’s dedication to student success, innovation in teaching, leadership, and advocacy make her an outstanding educator.

Soo Park is a third-grade teacher and grade-level leader at Andasol Avenue Elementary. Mrs. Parks, who has taught for 34 years, has played an important role in helping to make Andasol shine. She is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Korean and uses all three languages to meet the diverse needs of her students. Mrs. Park led the instructional team to promote STEAM at Andasol, where we now have our very own STEAM lab. She led the Robotics team and brought VEX IQ to Andasol. Mrs. Park was an integral part of Andasol becoming a School for Academic Success (SAS). She created the accelerated programs alongside colleagues and applied for the SAS designation. For many she is like the glue that holds the school together with her wisdom, maturity, knowledge, and experience.

Carrie Phu is an extraordinary educator who embodies dedication, passion, and excellence in teaching. She is a vital pillar of our school’s infrastructure and community, consistently taking on leadership roles to enhance both student experiences and teacher advocacy She plays a pivotal role in shaping the Virtual Academy’s success. She is one of the founding members of the standing committee for the Virtual Academy and is a key advocate for improving working conditions and protections for virtual educators. Whether it’s through teaching, extracurricular involvement, union representation, or community building, Carrie’s impact is felt across multiple areas. 

Lilian Umaña is a first-grade teacher at 96th Street STEAM Academy. She has taught kindergarten, first, and third grades at 96th Street STEAM Academy for 21 of her 27 years with LAUSD. Ms. Umaña believes most children actively build their knowledge from first-hand experiences in environments that are stimulating. She considers her students’ different learning modalities in making math accessible to all of them. She has been a Grade Level Chairperson and a School Site Council member and has planned professional developments for the Pearson Group. Ms. Umaña is a beacon of motivation and a genuine source of support for students and colleagues alike.

Derrick Walker is a 9-12th grade English Teacher at Cesar Chavez Learning Academies, Technology Preparatory Academy. As Co-chairperson of the English Department, 9th Grade Lead Teacher, Climate Literacy Champion for Social Justice and Equity, and Equitable Grading Champion, Mr. Walker consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to student learning, differentiation, and inclusion. Mr. Walker is intentional in how he uses students’ prior knowledge and life experiences to engage them in their learning. He recently used the students’ love of MineCraft to recruit them to enter the LAUSD Level UP Competition, a district-wide project involving designing an arena in the MineCraft World using the United Nations Sustainability Goals and host a booth at the LA Digital Arts Festival. He has entered students in multiple competitions throughout the district, even winning the Heroes for Zeroes first-place prize of $25,000 to install a hydro water station in the school. Mr. Derrick Walker has proven himself to be a dedicated leader with a consistent vision of high achievement for our students.