The William S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board will recognize the district’s 2019-2020 Teachers of the Year at its next meeting Wednesday.

A teacher from each Hart District school has been chosen as part of the California Teachers of the Year program, which has brought recognition to exemplary teachers, paying tribute to their resolute efforts, since the program’s inception in 1972.

With the district’s many outstanding teachers, district staff takes pride in identifying and honoring its own heroes of Hart District classrooms. Selection criteria include personal growth, commitment, personal attributes, and professional skills.

Being honored as Teachers of the Year by their individual schools are:

* Mike Koegle, Academy of the Canyons
* Kelvin Flores, Arroyo Seco Junior High School
* Christine Desuse, Bowman High School
* Laurel Priesz, Canyon High School
* Yara Wright, Golden Oak Adult School
* Shanna Mann, Golden Valley High School
* Kathryn Smith, Hart High School
* Kamalinphol Punpanichgul, La Mesa Junior High School
* Bree Hammer, Placerita Junior High School
* Aubrie Fairbanks, Rancho Pico Junior High School
* Stephanie Sosa, Rio Norte Junior High School
* Wendy Noonan, Saugus High School;
* Brandy Abernethy, Sequoia School;
* David Drabinski, Sierra Vista Junior High School
* Tamara Desso, Valencia High School
* Terri Sage, West Ranch High School

District Teacher of the Year: Laurel Priesz
For the 2019/20 school year, the Hart District has recognized Laurel Priesz from Canyon High School as the Hart District Teacher of the Year. Priesz is nothing short of spectacular in all realms of the educational world. She is smart, hardworking, inspirational, compassionate, and a true educational leader. She has a clear student-centered vision and never loses sight of how important it is to help each and every individual student she encounters.

As Canyon High School’s instructional leader and member of the professional development team, Priesz has made it her mission to support positive, productive classrooms that embrace the diverse needs of all learners. She works tirelessly with warmth and grace to ensure the very best outcome for every stakeholder. Priesz defines the word “Teacher” with a heart full of passion and love.

Honorees and their school principals have been invited to Wednesday’s Board meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at the district’s Administrative Center, 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita 91350.