De Anza High Teacher 1 of 2 Contra Costa Co. Teachers Of The Year

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A Richmond teacher is one of two teachers chosen as the 2017-2018 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY). Paula Raj of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and Danville teacher Marissa Ware beat out Kari Stewart of the Walnut Creek School District and Tom Trowbridge from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Ware and Raj, who were named finalists in their districts last March, will vie against the others for a chance to be the selected as the California State Teachers of the Year.

Raj teaches Spanish to high schoolers at De Anza High in Richmond.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’” Raj quotes Nelson Mandela. “This is why every day when I greet my students, I am ever cognizant that what I do may have an impact far greater than what I can see. Each student is someone’s child and deserves to be treated with the respect, kindness, and caring of their teachers. I believe in keeping this philosophy in mind at all times. Each student is an individual who brings their uniqueness to the classroom, if only we give them voice. Over the years, I have learned so much from my students and I’m always in awe of the new and profound perspectives they bring to class.”

Ware has been teaching at John Baldwin Elementary in Danville for six years.

“In our classroom, every day begins with a squeeze and a smile, and ends with a hug, handshake, high five, or this year’s student created ‘hand-blam,’” says Ware. Every child is nurtured and embraced for their unique learning style, academic and emotional needs, cultural background, and individuality. Inclusion is paramount, as I integrate their commonalities into our class culture. Which of my students is interested in baseball or Pokémon, fairies or fashion? Knowing these snippets of information allows me an entry point into their lives and increases their engagement in learning. A stronger academic outcome is the result.”

In September 28, 2017, all of the original 22 Teacher of the Year professionals were honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year dinner celebration.

The county’s TOY program is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE).

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