Poway Unified Teacher Named National Teacher of the Year Finalist

POWAY, CA – A special education teacher at Del Norte High School in 4S Ranch was named Monday as one of four finalists for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year award.

Megan Gross teaches an autism spectrum disorder day class at the campus in the Poway Unified School District.

Gross, who was previously recognized as one of the five state Teachers of the Year, said she was surprised by the honor.

“You know, it’s not why we go into teaching, to get accolades or awards. So for me as a person, it’s just surprising and kind of surreal,” she said. “But for what I do and the work that I do, I'm excited to have this opportunity to talk about my students and about inclusion and hopefully make change for other students in the country.”

Gross has been in special education for nine years, the last three at Del Norte High. She is an advocate for fully integrating students of different ability levels into classroom and school activities.

“Megan is a terrific educator who is deeply dedicated to creating a safe and productive learning environment for her students,” state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a statement.

“She has worked diligently to end the social and physical isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Torlakson said. “I am proud to have her represent California. She is an exemplary example of how innovative teachers can enrich the students’ lives.”

Gross holds a bachelor’s degree in genetics from the University of California, Davis. She also holds a special education credential from California State University, Sacramento.

Run by the the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Teacher of the Year program “identifies exceptional teachers nationwide, celebrates their effective work in and outside of the classroom, amplifies their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national levels,” according to a press release.

A panel comprising 15 education organizations and representing more than seven million educators selected Gross, along with teachers from Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Maryland.

“The four finalists embody the character, knowledge, skills and passion of exemplary teaching,” the selection committee said in a statement. “Each of the finalists empower students to own their own learning inside and outside of the classroom. The skills of these teachers transcend the classroom, as they also demonstrate the ability to engage with their peers, parents, community members, and policy makers.”

The national Teacher of the Year will be announced this spring at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

– City News Service contributed to this report. / Image courtesy of Council of Chief State School Officers