Transitional kindergarten teacher Katie Bezayiff has been honored by the California League of Educators (CLE) as a 2024 Educator of the Year. Photo Credit: CLE
Congratulations go to elementary school teacher Katie Bezayiff from Fullerton, California. She is one of two educators who have been honored by the California League of Educators (CLE) as a 2024 Educator of the Year. The other educator is middle school teacher Mucio Vidales.
Every year, the CLE recognizes teachers, administrators, counselors, and other certificated personnel for demonstrating excellence in educational practices.
Katie teaches Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Maple Elementary School. This forward-thinking teacher has organized her classroom according to precepts developed by Italian educators in the Italian city of Reggio. The system advances the idea that children are naturally curious and capable learners, and the classroom environment should encourage active participation, imaginative play, and social interaction. Such environments are especially beneficial for young children, helping them develop essential skills in critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional learning. “In the Reggio philosophy, the learning environment is the third teacher,” explains Katie.
Even though her students are very young, Katie designs lessons for them that use inquiry-based investigations in science, project-based learning, and holistic education. Using these strategies, Katie is able to guide her students towards reading at or above the kindergarten grade level, even though they arrive in her classroom with various levels of reading readiness. The students also develop excellent academic vocabulary skills, and show strong numeracy skills in math.
Katie is also a leader in her district. She serves as a member of the Community Schools Steering Committee. For the past three years she has also chaired the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team.
“This recognition not only celebrates my efforts, but also acknowledges the positive impact I strive to make on the young minds in my classroom and at my school,” declares Katie.
