鈥嬧赌婼AN JOSE, CA 鈥� The 老澳门开奖结果 (老澳门开奖结果) is proud to announce Jan Blake has been selected as the 老澳门开奖结果 2017-18 Teacher of the Year.
Jan began at 老澳门开奖结果 in 1974, working as a teacher in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (DHOH). She became an Inclusion Specialist in 1997 at Oster School, bridging the DHOH and mainstream programs together. During her career, she has taught math, science, English, history, driver's education, computer, and other elective courses for students with a hearing disability.
"She has contributed to the DHOH program vision and growth and adapted her thinking about what the program should be with changing times. Being so knowledgeable about the field has enabled her to guide and mentor new teachers and her peers," according to Deepali Paralikar, a teacher at Oster.
"Jan is an advocate for all of our students," says Sue Freedman, a speech pathologist at Oster.
Jan has created many opportunities for students within the DHOH program to integrate with mainstream programs and the community. In addition to her daytime duties, Jan teaches a sign language class at night for parents, staff, and community members to help her students connect with others.
"Her experience, wisdom, expertise, and patience make her a tremendous resource to all of our staff as well as staff outside of the DHOH program. She is the 'go to' person who people first think of for support when they have a question about almost everything," says Bob Whalen, Principal of Oster Cluster Programs.
"We are thrilled to honor Jan, not only for the length of her service, but the quality," said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. "Jan is a wonderful teacher who truly exemplifies each of our four values: students first, innovation, collaboration, and service. Her service has made a significant impact on the DHOH community in Santa Clara County, and she will be missed."
After 44 years of service to 老澳门开奖结果, Jan will retire this summer. In the fall, she will be honored on stage alongside other Santa Clara County district teacher of the year honorees at the 49th annual Teacher Recognition Celebration鈥� on October 22, at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell.
# # #
The 老澳门开奖结果 (老澳门开奖结果) is a regional service agency that provides instructional and business services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The 老澳门开奖结果 serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The Office also provides curriculum support, staff development, and technology support and training directly to teachers and staff in schools countywide.
