09/23/2022 -
The Sonoma County chapter of the Association of California School Administrators recognized Jesús Fernández, Sonoma County’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, and finalist Bridget Clark at its annual kickoff event on Sept. 22.
Fernández teaches social studies to 7th-through 12th-grade students at Geyserville’s New Tech Academy. In winning the recognition, Fernandez is nominated for the State of California's Teacher of the Year program. The state Teachers of the Year are announced in late September.
Fernández was presented with the award at the Sonoma County Office of Education by Dr. Steve Herrington, Sonoma County superintendent of schools. Introductions were made by David Williams, chief marketing and human resources officer, Community First Credit Union, and Deborah Bertolucci, superintendent of Geyserville Unified School District.
“Jesús Fernández’s enthusiasm for teaching and ability to build meaningful connections with students are skills all educators should strive for in their careers,” Herrington said after the event. “On behalf of the Sonoma County Office of Education, I extend my most sincere congratulations to Jesús for receiving Sonoma County’s 2022 Teacher of the Year award.”
“Jesús is just an amazing gift to our district and to our students and there is no doubt in my mind that he inspires students to be thoughtful stewards of our community," Bertolucci said. "He really instills a great sense of value for all of our students.”
Bridget Clark, second grade teacher at Roseland Creek Elementary School in Santa Rosa was also recognized as a Teacher of the Year finalist. Clark was presented the award by Roseland Creek Elementary Principal Jennifer Dominguez.
Clark was recognized for her efforts to create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment with whimsy and inspiration, infusing art across the curriculum to address students' social and emotional needs.
Fernández's Teacher of the Year recognition comes with a $3,000 cash award from Community First and a $500 gift card to the Luther Burbank Center. Clark, the finalist, receives $2,000 from Community First and a $250 gift card.
The Sonoma County honorees were selected from among 20 teachers who were nominated for Sonoma County Teacher of the Year.
To be eligible for the state award, educators must have taught for at least eight years and be employed full-time or as a long-term substitute in public or private schools. They must demonstrate leadership and innovation inside and outside the classroom that embodies lifelong learning.
Learn more about the Sonoma County Teacher of the Year program at scoe.org/toy.
