Kenny Kahn has been both an English teacher and a football coach for 7 years at El Cerrito High School. He is very connected to the community and his charismatic and jovial personality allows him to relate to his students while still maintaining their respect. Kenny is able to give attention to each and every one of his students, and helps students reach their full potential.

Loretta McBride goes beyond what is required. She has a varied teaching style to meet all learning abilities. She works with the SF Symphony, Stanford University, Donors Choose, and more to get resources for her students. Loretta has been an primary educator in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. She teaches because she believes in educating the next generation.

Amy Shelley inspires others to be intelligent, self-directed learners who are compassionate and humble global citizens. Amelia believes in the importance of community service and encourages the students to help the environment through coastal clean-up projects, recycling, creating composts, writing letters to the government, and more. She participates with her students and gives them a sense of value and self-worth. Amy has brought accessible technology to all students in her classroom and integrates the technology with project-based learning.

Annette Iwamoto has two goals for her students. The first is that each and every one be as successful as they can be. She differentiates instruction for all of her students allowing them to learn at their pace. The second is to develop great students who are also great people. She stresses respect and responsibility in her classroom, for each other, the community and the earth.

Robert Freeman readily transcends the typical standard of history teaching on a daily basis. His teaching style is incredibly intellectually stimulating. He has come to a brilliant balance between broad, sophisticated concepts and key facts. Mr. Freeman seeks to instill a coherent and deep understanding of history in his students, and his lectures are always energetic and highly stimulating.

Anna Gin is always looking for creative ways to challenge her students. She integrates art, computers, math games, and science-related contests to help students learn. She also brings in guest speakers and organizes field trips so that students can learn more about how math and science are used in the real world. In addition to including her class in math competitions against other schools, Ms. Gin is also the faculty sponsor for both the yearbook club and the Mathcounts club. She is invested in helping her students succeed, even after they transition to high school.

Elizabeth Morales makes significant contribution to the lives of her students and all students at the school. She upholds a high standard for all students, and has a strong, yet kind demeanor. The entire Taft community respects and are inspired by Ms. Morales for her vision, dedication and advocacy for her students. Ms. Morales desires the absolute best for her students, and believes every student can excel and reach for the stars.

Debbie Cruger-Hansen pours her life into teaching. She fosters respect among all her students and creates a very positive classroom learning environment. When visiting the classroom, one sees students who are focused and attentive. She creates a classroom environment that encourages and provides independence, interest, and student growth.

Connie Sfarzo tirelessly works to make sure her students' needs are being met. She takes time everyday to let the kids know that they are important. Her class is full of energy and always positive. Her kids smile and laugh and enjoy their time at school.

Monica Sullivan is an outstanding teacher who cares for the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of her students. She uses many different teaching techniqes including verbal, written, and visual ways of teaching. She knows that all students learn differently and uses different techniqes to reach them.

Jocelyn Perlow works in partnership with families to help the students do their best. She also helps other students and teachers in the school learn to work together with her students, actively making connections within the school. She pushes her students to be as independent as possible and does it in a respectful and fun way.

Chelsea Springer works with countless students that go to Tam one way or another. She emphasizes the importance of working as a group because she believes that it's important for students to be able to work with other people in real life situations. Her intelligence in the art of the English language and unparalleled ability to connect with students makes learning English from her easier and enjoyable for all students involved.

Cindy Anderson has made a difference in her students lives because she provides a fun, safe learning environment where students can freely express who they are and what they want to be without being judged. She's an inspiration to her students and encourages them to go above and beyond.

Kathryn Marinos goes above and beyond in all that she does with the students, parents and teachers in the community. What especially makes Kathryn stand out as an exceptional teacher and colleague is her caring, patient and supportive demeanor

Linda Miller is an exceptional middle school teacher who goes above and beyond teaching. She is there for the students and helps them achieve the confidence and skills to move forward in school.

As leader of campus ministry and organizer of the Saint Ignatius Immersion Program, Shannon embodies the notion of a woman for others. Whether approached by a colleague, a friend, a or stranger looking for guidance, Shannon always extends unconditional care and respect. She organizes and plans eight summer service trips at St. Ignatius College Preparatory and helps students learn the value of selfless work done solely for the benefit of others.