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Final 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year Named in Moreno Valley Unified USD

Post Date:03/01/2024 4:20 PM

MORENO VALLEY– Dr. Sharon Nakama walked into the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board Room to a thunderous surprise and congratulations from colleagues, friends, and family who were all gathered in her honor. Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez delivered the news that Dr. Nakama had been named the 2024 Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year.

Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year Dr. Sharon Nakama. Moreno Valley Unified School District“Dr. Nakama’s mission to create awareness and understanding within the district and community has resulted in strengthened partnerships and enhanced support systems for students with disabilities,” said Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Dr. Nakama continues to pave the way for inclusivity and equity in education.”

“I really appreciate this recognition, but I know that this is because of the amazing team effort,” said Dr. Nakama immediately following the surprise announcement. “I am so thankful for everyone I work with and am so grateful.”

About Dr. Sharon Nakama – 2024 Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year

Dr. Nakama serves 16 sites and 40 teachers in Life Skills (Moderate/Severe) programs that serve students who are young as infants to adult transition classes. Her daily support extends to administrators, related service providers, and instructional assistants. Dr. Nakama’s efforts extend far beyond the classroom, schools, and district. She is a bridge builder that connects students and families with disability community resources and has developed multiple events and trainings as proof of her personal belief that “every child can learn, including the student with the most significant disability.” Her colleagues describe her as someone with “a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on guidance”, and as a professional with “a great sense of dedication and inclusion that ensures equitable access and opportunities for all students.”

The 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year:

  • Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year
    Dr. Sharon Nakama, Coordinator, Special Education
    Moreno Valley Unified School District

The Riverside County Educators of the Year are selected from the more than 36,000 educational employees in the county. The rigorous application process starts with nominations by teachers, classified employees, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where an outside selection committee selects the honorees before the county superintendent announcement.

Along with the 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year named previously, all 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year will be honored at the Celebrating Educators Luncheon, set for Tuesday, May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

 Clarification: The 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year were named in mid-2023 to align with the 2023 California State Teacher of the Year competition. The 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May/June of 2024 and will via for the 2025 California State Teacher of the Year award that will be named in the fall of 2024 by the California Department of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year (named in mid-2023)

Marie Stevenson
Mathematics Teacher
Rancho Mirage High School
Palm Springs USD

James Waedekin
English Teacher
New Horizon School
Banning USD

Lindsay Hill
4th Grade Teacher
Sundance Elementary School
Beaumont USD

Lorena Morales
Mathematics/AVID Teacher
La Sierra High School
Alvord USD

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