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Lawrence Elementary School teacher Dayana Albornoz is Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2024, receiving public kudos from district and county officials in separate press releases last week.
Albornoz is among 19 honorees who were selected by 17 participating districts and regional occupational programs in Alameda County for their dedication and excellence in the classroom and are now vying for a top spot in the countywide Teacher of the Year competition.
Recognition as the LVJUSD’s Teacher of the Year comes after dedicating the last seven of her 17-year education career to Lawrence.
“Ms. Albornoz epitomizes the essence of effective teaching; fostering an environment where students flourish academically and personally,” Lawrence principal Kristie Starkovich said in a statement. “Her classroom radiates positivity, cultivating a safe and supportive space where students feel motivated to excel.”
In addition to being an outstanding teacher, Albornoz has also been a mentor to colleagues through her involvement in committees such as Lawrence’s Instructional Leadership Team and Leader in Me Student Lighthouse Team, according to district officials. She’s even inspired up-in-coming educators through a program at California State University East Bay for aspiring teachers.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to represent the beautiful community of Livermore as their Teacher of the Year. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, this achievement reflects the collaborative efforts and support I have received from my colleagues to be honored at this level,” Albornoz said. “I did not reach this milestone alone and would like to acknowledge my principal, fellow educators and the exceptional teachers with whom I work daily. Together, we strive for excellence in education.”
Other Tri-Valley honorees include Lauren Apodaca from DUSD’s Murray Elementary School, Paige Saunders from PUSD’s Hearst Elementary School, Huong Giang from SGUSD’s Sunol Glen and Sergio Verbis from the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program.
“Congratulations to all of the teachers who were selected for this award. I am excited to recognize and uplift these teachers’ hard work and dedication to their school communities and their commitment to cultivating classroom environments that allow students to thrive,” Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro said in a statement.
Those recognized at the district-level will be celebrated at the 35th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony on Oct. 3 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. At the event, two honorees who applied for consideration will be named Alameda County Teacher of the Year. The winners will then move on to statewide consideration for California Teacher of the Year.
