Santee Teacher Tiffany Jokerst Named A State Teacher Of The Year

SANTEE, CA —Tiffany Jokerst, a math and engineering teacher from West Hills High School in Santee, was named one of five 2022 California Teachers of the Year on Friday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced.

Jokerst teaches students in grades 9 through 12 and has been teaching for 15 years. Her school, West Hills High, is in the Grossmont Union High School District.

"Tiffany is a shining example of an educator who works tirelessly to ensure that her students are engaged and poised for success, both in school and beyond," said Dr. Paul Gothold, San Diego County superintendent of schools. "She has persevered through challenging times and remains dedicated to elevating all her students. We are proud to have her represent all San Diego County teachers."

According to those giving the award, Jokerst gets her students past their fear of math by building relationships though endearing interaction, humorous activities -like disco polynomial day - and by facilitating discussion beyond math.

Jokerest said her most rewarding moments come from seeing students who once were apprehensive about math, becoming optimistic, confident math students.

"When I create experiences that draw from real-life scenarios, each student is drawn into the conversation and can contribute, and find success, despite their background knowledge. Uniqueness is celebrated in my class daily," Jokerst said.

Jokerst continued: "Students have commented that before my class, they always felt that math should be done in one way, but now they strive to be the student who finds a different way to solve problems."

Presented by California Casualty and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.

According to officials, county offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. A selection committee then reviews applications and evaluates each nominated teacher's rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills and teaching techniques. Next, the committee conducts interviews with the teachers.

The state superintendent of public instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year nominee.

Joining Jokerst as 2022 California Teachers of the Year are:

• Alondra Diaz, who is a third-grade general education and dual immersion teacher at Ralph A. Gates Elementary School in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Orange County.
• Nichi Avina, who is a middle school science teacher at Cielo Vista Charter School in the Palm Springs Unified School District, Riverside County.
• Sovantevy Long-Latteri, who is a special education teacher at La Sierra High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Orange County.
• Virginia Vasquez, who is an AP Language and Composition teacher at San Gabriel High School in the Alhambra Unified School District, Los Angeles County.

Thurmond nominated Diaz as California's representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition, where Diaz will compete against other state nominees. The 2022 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.

Thurmond said this year's award-winners have gone above and beyond during a challenging time in education, and in our lives.

"In what may be the toughest ever time for California families, students and educators, these five innovative and caring teachers have made profound differences in the lives of their students and communities," Thurmond said. "I'm proud that these educators are receiving this prestigious honor for their continued effort to connect with students even during unimaginable circumstances, to address their needs and support them in any way they can."