Helping cultivate the next generation of great teachers
SAN JOSE, CA – Great teachers make great teachers. That is the common thread between Danielle Tucker of Cupertino Union School District, Kira Durant of Campbell Union High School District, and Mary Grace Votran of Sunnyvale School District.
“I teach because I had an amazing teacher that helped me see the world in a different way," says Durant.
All three had excellent teacher role models who inspired their journey to teaching, all three were 2019 Teachers of the Year for their respective districts, and all three are highlighted in the first volume of “Why I Teach."
“Why I Teach" is an annually produced 10-part Public Service Announcement (PSA) series produced by the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). It is part of a campaign to recruit and cultivate the next generation of great teachers in Santa Clara County. At the beginning of the current school year, many schools in Santa Clara County began the year without enough teachers. It is SCCOE's vision to have every Santa Clara County student in class on the first day of school with a highly qualified teacher. An episode will be released every Wednesday for the next 10 weeks.
To help cultivate the next generation of great teachers, the Santa Clara County Office of Education will also host Step into Teaching. This semiannual event, held on Saturday, February 8, is designed for individuals wishing to enter the teaching profession. Attendees will learn what is required to become a teacher, how to navigate the credentialing process, and have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local universities and teaching programs. Advance registration is required to attend for more information visit: https://www.sccoe.org/events/stepintoteaching/Pages/default.aspx.
# # #
About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.