William S. Hart Union High School District Teacher of the Year Paula Bae was honored as one of the top 16 teachers in the County of Los Angeles by the Los Angeles County Office of Education last Friday. She is now officially nominated for the California Teacher of the Year.
“It is an honor to be selected as the Hart District’s teacher of the year, especially knowing the caliber of teachers I work with,” said Bae. I am so thankful for the kind, hard-working, and creative students that I get to work with each day. My students inspire me to keep improving my practice and I hope my award can, in turn, help to inspire them to reach their potential. I also hope my recognition as the District’s teacher of the year will help to put a spotlight on all the great teaching that happens throughout the District.”
This accomplishment marks the fourth year in a row, and fifth in the last seven years, the Hart District has had a County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Bae has a strong track record in curriculum, having created a robust Human Anatomy curriculum for Hart High School and the District as a whole. She also helped create the college prep and honors level classes for students who have a love for the field of medical science.
“The teaching profession is integral to the fabric of our society; that has been more evident than ever in recent years when more than 140,000 U.S. children have lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the few consistencies for children during unprecedented times has been the connection with their teacher and classmates,” said Los Angeles County Superintendent Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D. “Teachers have sustained students and families with their incredible capacity to nurture and empathize with the tragedies our students often confront. It is one of the greatest honors our office to recognize some of the most exceptional educators in our county.”
Bae was one of the 66 teachers honored at the 41st Annual Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year luncheon held in University City on Friday, September 23. Out of the 66 teachers, Bae was among the top 16. Five co-winners will be chosen state teachers of the year, with one of those going on to represent California in the national Teacher of the Year competition.