IUSD Announces 2024-25 Teachers of the Year

Teachers of the year headshots

IUSD announced the three Teachers of the Year and the four Teachers of Promise for the 2024-25 school year. 

IUSD’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes exceptional instructors at the high, middle and elementary school levels. Below are this year’s Teacher of the Year honorees.

Courtney Nguyen - Elementary School Teacher of the Year
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Headshot of Courtney Nguyen

Courtney Nguyen, 6th grade teacher at College Park Elementary has been named IUSD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year!

With over a decade of teaching at College Park Elementary School, Courtney Nguyen is highly regarded for her commitment to education and student success. Cortney goes above and beyond as a dedicated leader of the 6th-grade student council, inspiring her students to make a difference on campus. She volunteers for extra enrichment activities to help ensure every student has opportunities to grow.

Highly respected by her peers and students alike, Cortney creates a welcoming environment, allowing all into her classroom with open arms and a passion for teaching.

Scott Richardson - Middle School Teacher of the Year
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Headshot of Scott Richardson

Scott Richardson, a math teacher at South Lake Middle School, has been named IUSD’s Middle School Teacher of the Year!

Scott Richardson is known for his warm and welcoming demeanor, creating a classroom environment where students can feel valued and engaged. Scott works tirelessly to integrate diverse teaching strategies into his curriculum, including AVID techniques that foster collaboration, critical thinking and active student participation.

Beyond the classroom, he is a dedicated leader, guiding his 8th-grade team and championing his colleagues.

 

Shelley Godett - High School Teacher of the Year
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Shelley Godett Headshot

Shelley Godett, a math teacher at Portola High School, has been named IUSD’s High School Teacher of the Year! 

Shelley Godett has been a math teacher for Portola High School since 2015, exemplifying a deep commitment to student and colleague success. As lead of the math department, Shelley has led with openness and transparency, bringing new ideas and encouraging teachers to come to the table with their ideas and voices. Shelley’s excellence in the classroom is evident through her work to help prepare students for the vigor of calculus. Her hard work and dedication to her students are shown through the high test scores her classes repeatedly produce.

Her impact extends beyond the classroom, with her packed office hours serving as a testament to her accessibility and commitment to student success. Additionally, she has built a vibrant Math Club that has excelled under her guidance, boasting over 100 members who are passionate about mathematics.

 

Excellence in Teaching

Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet
All of this year’s honorees will be formally recognized in April at the Excellence in Teaching Awards program, organized each year by the Irvine Teachers Association and IUSD.

Teachers of Promise
IUSD also recognizes a handful of standout first- and second-year teachers, who are announced as “Teachers of Promise. Click here for the 2024-25 Teachers of Promise.