Teacher of the Year

Rancho Mirage High School
Palm Springs Unified School District

Marie Stevenson, named Riverside County Teacher of the Year, brings 16 years of educational experience, with the last decade dedicated to teaching mathematics at Rancho Mirage High School in Palm SpringsUnified School District. As a dynamic educator, Marie wears multiple hats, serving as the Math Department Chair, coach, club advisor, and active participant in various school committees. Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, evident in her advocacy for mastery grading and fostering cross-curricular collaboration. Students praise Marie for her approachable nature and dedication to ensuring every student’s understanding. Colleagues highlight her ability to guide and inspire fellow educators, emphasizing her role as a catalyst for professional growth.

Marie's Message

Thank you for the honor to be chosen as a 2024 Riverside County Teacher of the Year. I would not be in position to receive this award without supportive colleagues and family. My philosophy towards teaching math has evolved each year because math class is often a barrier for students. Although teaching math can be amazing as students learn to reason abstractly, it can also be challenging as each student is unique in their needs. This is why I continue to develop my classroom into a space where all students, regardless of their background, feel safe to ask any level of questions. I believe teachers have the power to truly impact students mathematically through their actions and words. If we can help students develop a growth mindset around math and see themselves as a “doer” of math, then more opportunities will await them. The more we can embolden students to persevere through challenges academically, the more likely they will learn to adapt to the challenges life will throw at them. Thank you to everyone involved in our profession, as we truly mold the future generation.