Sean Mispagel named La Cañada Unified School District’s top teacher

La Cañada High School social science teacher Sean Mispagel has been named La Cañada Unified School District’s 2015-16 Teacher of the Year.

Supt. Wendy Sinnette announced Mispagel’s selection Tuesday during a regular meeting of the LCUSD Governing Board.

“I feel most fortunate to be able to grant this honor — it is so well deserved,” Sinnette said of Mispagel, who came to the district 16 years ago and has since taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. “He is one of our go-to faculty members, and it’s been that way since 2000.”

Mispagel started teaching at Paradise Canyon Elementary School, where he gained fond memories of taking students on the annual history trip to Valley Forge, Pa. In 2008, he moved to La Cañada High School 7/8, where he taught seventh-grade Asian history.

“My son loved your class,” Board President David Sagal said. “You opened his eyes to the world.”

Just last year, Mispagel joined the LCHS 9-12 teaching staff. He earned a political science degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1993, later returning there for his advanced degree and teaching credential. On Tuesday, he thanked the board for recognizing his work.

“I really enjoy teaching all the kids,” said the teacher, who was joined at the meeting by several family members. “It’s been a pleasure.”

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Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine