Danville Teacher Could Become California Teacher Of The Year

DANVILLE, CA — A teacher at Diablo Vista Middle School has been selected by the Contra Costa County Office of Education as one of two finalists to represent the county in the California Teacher of the Year competition.

Chavonta Edington, who was just named 2022 SRVUSD Teacher of the Year at a gala last Thursday, has been taught instrumental music at Diablo Vista Middle School for more than 16 years.

She is a member of the California Band Directors Association and the California Orchestra Directors Association, and is a department and district curriculum leader.

Edington said she found refuge in the band room growing up in inner-city Los Angeles, and uses those experiences to form a teaching philosophy “centered around building trust and allowing students to take risks while making music in a supportive environment.”

“Chavonta is a role model and leader at Diablo Vista Middle School and in our District. Her dedication and devotion to her students helps shape their future,” SRVUSD Superintendent Dr. John Malloy said in a statement. “She is student-centered and an inspiration to her colleagues across the district. She creates a dynamic learning environment where students feel safe to express themselves musically and explore their talents. Chavonta has played a vital role as a music teacher in SRVUSD, elevating music education to new heights. We are all so proud of her and will be rooting for her in the next phase of this competition.”

Every year, SRVUSD chooses one elementary school and one secondary school teacher to represent the district in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Program. The two top candidates are being forwarded to the California Department of Education Level. Edington is the fifth winner in six years from SRVUSD to advance to state level to compete to become California Teacher of the Year.