Honoring outstanding early educators

Golden Apple Awards

Honoring outstanding early educators

Two exceptional early educators are the recipients of LACOE's eighth annual Golden Apple Awards for excellence in teaching and leadership: Natalie Casillas of Mountain View SD and Arleen Lujan of El Monte City SD.

Casillas, an Early Head Start teacher, was the first Early Head Start teacher for Mountain View SD, where she has been teaching for more than eight years. She currently works with infants and toddlers with different learning abilities, dual language learners, and expectant mothers.

Dr. Aileen La Corte, Principal of Preschool Programs at Mountain View SD, stated that during home visits Casillas "becomes a member of the family by teaching the mother and child as a team." Casillas is also a role model and resource to her families. One parent told the program director, "Due to Ms. Natalie's encouragement, I want to become a teacher one day, and Ms. Natalie has provided me the resources and support to enroll in college."

Lujan, a Head Start preschool teacher, was recognized for being a role model and mentor to her fellow teachers as well as ensuring all children and families, including children with different learning abilities and dual language learners, receive high-quality services.

Guillermina Diaz-Huerta, Child Development Supervisor for El Monte City School District, noted that Lujan has "served her community and taught children to learn with enthusiasm, take every opportunity as a moment to thrive and be the best they can be." Diaz-Huerta explained that Lujan also promotes acceptance and kindness in her classroom by implementing strategies like the "peace table," where children are encouraged to talk about their differences, empathize with each other, compromise, and/or dispute their differences with the ultimate goal of problem solving.

A committee of child development and education experts selected this year's recipients based on excellence in showing dedication to children, creating positive environments, and adapting to challenges to serve children and families.

County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo thanked both recipients for their work to "close the opportunity gap to give all children a chance to succeed in school and in life." County Board of Education President Betty Forrester commended their "perseverance, creativity, and dedication throughout this challenging time."

"The pandemic has been a constant reminder not only of how challenging the teaching profession can be, but also just how vital great educators are to all of our children, our parents, and our community, starting with our very youngest," noted Keesha Woods, LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Executive Director, during the awards ceremony. "Early learning has never paused during the pandemic. Whatever happens, our teachers have adapted to keep providing the best services possible to children and families."

The awards were presented during the January 11 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Education. LACOE awarded each recipient with $500 in classroom supplies from Lakeshore Learning, which also donated $300 worth of materials to each awardee.

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