LA Educator Nominated National Teacher of the Year

A Los Angeles Unified School District educator was nominated by the state today for National Teacher of the Year, while he and four other teachers were hailed as California Teachers of the Year.

Daniel Jocz, a social studies teacher at Downtown Magnets High School for more than a decade, was nominated for the national honor by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

He will be feted during a gala event in Sacramento in February, along with Torlakson’s four other chosen California Teachers of the Year:

-- Mitch Bahr, an instrumental music teacher at Foothill High School in Palo Cedro, in Shasta County;

-- Michelle Cherland, a second-grade teacher at Carrillo Ranch Elementary School in Indio, in Riverside County;

-- Doug Green, a broadcast journalism teacher at two schools in Carlsbad, in San Diego County; and

-- Ann Park, a fifth-grade teacher at Greenleaf Elementary School in Oakland, in Alameda County.

“The teachers we are honoring today are dedicated, energetic, innovative and very effective,” Torlakson said. “Every day in the classroom they inspire students to learn, excel and realize their full potential. Their work provides a great example for other teachers.”

Teachers are chosen for the honor based on criteria including rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills and teaching methods.

According to the state, Jocz’s students have one of the LAUSD’s highest passage rates for Advanced Placement U.S. History. In addition to teaching, he also serves as the department chair, instructional leadership team member and associated student body adviser.

LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines called Jocz “one of the finest teachers” in the district.

“Teachers like Mr. Jocz change lives,” he said. “These miracle workers rarely get the recognition they deserve for instructing and inspiring so many students.”

City News Service