Sacramento Educator Named K-12 Teacher of the Year

Merryhill Elementary & Middle School in Midtown Sacramento is honored to announce that educator Natalie Fernandez has been named K-12 Teacher of the Year by the school’s parent organization, Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. (NLCI). Fernandez was nominated for the national award by the school’s principal, executive director, fellow teachers and students' parents. The award was formally presented to Fernandez at NLCI’s national principal conference, which was held in Las Vegas last month.

As K-12 Teacher of the Year, Fernandez is recognized for her dedication to students, leadership among school staff, and for constantly challenging herself as an educator to integrate new technology in the classroom. Beyond her role as a second-grade teacher, Fernandez tutors students after school, is a mentor for first-year teachers, and serves as a Lead Vanguard Teacher committed to implementing technology into classrooms. Fernandez uses technology in the classroom to connect students not only with academics, but also in developing their social and emotional skills by creating authentic and engaging learning experiences.

“Natalie embodies everything you want in a teacher. She is adept at individualizing her approach with her students, which sets them up for success in the classroom, and she continues to evolve herself as an educator – always taking on new challenges to constantly improve instruction and explore new ways to integrate technology,” commented Head of School Elaine Westphal. “She’s not only an amazing role model for her students, but she also serves as a mentor to her peers who come to her for guidance and see her as an innovator in the classroom. We are so proud of Natalie on this well-deserved achievement.”

NLCI’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers who stand out by demonstrating a strong commitment to inspire, motivate and educate students and staff. Along with the title K-12 Teacher of the Year and an all-expenses-paid trip to the national conference in Las Vegas, Fernandez received a cash award and a round-trip airline ticket to anywhere in the U.S.

“It is an honor to have been nominated, and a great pleasure to be selected as the K-12 Teacher of the Year. I am grateful to be a part of a learning community that encourages and supports growth in both students and teachers. I feel very fortunate to have the freedom and flexibility to connect with my students each year, and create dynamic and engaging lessons that meet their academic needs and inspire them to take initiative in their own learning,” stated Fernandez. “This special recognition further strengthens my desire to continually search for best practices and use a positive classroom culture to add rigor, encourage growth and cheer on my students through successes, challenges, and even failures on their paths to lifelong learning.”

Fernandez has been with Merryhill Elementary & Middle School for five years. She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College of California.

Merryhill Elementary & Middle School in Midtown Sacramento is located at 2600 V Street in Sacramento, Calif. The school serves students starting in Pre-K through eighth grade, providing them with a rigorous, standards-based curriculum with experiences that develop 21st century skills.