District Congratulates Teachers of the Year
Ann Niedringhaus helped establish the local philharmonic society. Sandra J. Abend uses music to teach history. Howard E. Booker specializes in fund-raisers.
For those and other accomplishments, all three were chosen as Santa Ana Unified School District teachers of the year this week during a short, applause-filled ceremony at the regular school board meeting.
A total of 45 teachers--one from every school--were chosen as teachers of the year based on qualities such as their ability to motivate students and promote community involvement.
Three of the standouts--Niedringhaus, Abend and Booker--also were chosen as teachers of the year for their respective grade levels.
Niedringhaus teaches music at Muir Fundamental Elementary School. Former Department of Defense worker Abend teaches history at Spurgeon Intermediate School. Booker teaches social studies at Mountain View Continuation School.
“You’ve heard the trite saying of history coming alive,” said Spurgeon Principal Lyn Maher. “But she [Abend] does that, through slides, music and artwork.”
Maher pointed to Abend’s use of music from ancient Sumeria and Egypt to enlighten students and set the classroom mood.
The teachers of the year were nominated by their colleagues. The final decision was made by district Supt. Al Mijares and various assistant superintendents.
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