2023 Teacher of the Year
the Selection of Three District Teachers of the Year
Carrie Jennings, Christina Bass, Sanford Carvajal Receive School District Honor
Carrie Jennings: 3rd Grade Teacher at Monterey Ridge Elementary School
Carrie has been a teacher for 16 years, half of which she has spent with PUSD. She believes her greatest accomplishment is the impact she has been able to have on students and their families, through trust, rapport, and the strong bonds made in her classroom. In her classroom, the motto is “This is important, you can do this, we will no give up on you” which resonates with students and families alike. Through this mindset and her intentionality, Carrie has created a classroom community and family atmosphere where each student feels unique, valued, and celebrated.
The focus on students as individuals translates into Carrie’s teaching as well. Students are provided with a voice and choice in their learning as Carrie provides multiple pathways for students based on learning styles, strengths, and interests. For example, she might provide a video option for visual learners, a podcast for auditory learners and a reading passage for those who learn best by reading. As a result of this, students are more engaged in their learning. Carrie believes that teaching is the utmost honor and takes the shaping of young minds and hearts that happens in her classroom very seriously.
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Christina Bass, 3rd Grade Teacher and ASB Advisor, Painted Rock Elementary School
Christina has spent all but one of her 10 years of teaching in Poway Unified and is guided by the belief that teaching and learning takes a village, with students at the center. She believes that while she has impacted her students, and her students have equally impacted her to become a better educator and learner.
At Painted Rock, Christina is creating community and developing a student legacy both on and off campus. As the advisor for to the Student Council, she spearheaded the 5th grade legacy murals on campus where students can leave their lasting mark with a beautiful mural. She and her students also built a butterfly garden on campus that provides an outside learning environment for all students to enjoy. Off campus, Christina is fostering important connections for students by partnering with PUSD high schools to provide a ‘Panther Section’ at sporting events to develop team spirit and pride. Christina is passionate about connecting students to the larger community and encourages students to make an impact in whatever they do.
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Sanford Carvajal, ASB Advisor and Digital Media Production Teacher, Mt. Carmel High School
Sanford is known throughout Mt. Carmel for his dedication and empowerment of students in all that he does. His impact on culture and connection at the school is unmatched and the influence he has had as a teacher, coach, and ASB Director goes far beyond the classroom.
Throughout his 17 years in Poway Unified, Sanford has developed a knack for knowing how to find creative ways to engage students in their learning and leadership. The Mt. Carmel Red Sea Student Section is award-winning, thanks in large part to his development of student leaders. Not only is he an ASB Advisor, but he also oversees No Place for Hate, eSports, and Link Crew.
Sanford is committed to developing others in the community as well. He is a regular presenter at the California Association of Directors of Activities where he shares his best practices and ideas with hundreds of others. Sanford believes he has one of the best jobs in the world because he gets to help students grow up and grow into their natural abilities.
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