GGUSD Teacher Selected as Semifinalist for Orange County Teacher of the Year

• Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Today Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Stephanie Heflin made a surprise visit to Alamitos Intermediate School to congratulate Monique Becerra on being named a semifinalist in the 2024 Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program. Becerra is among 15 teachers from across Orange County selected for the distinction.

Becerra joined GGUSD in 2003 and has been teaching English Language Arts at Alamitos Intermediate for 20 years. She also serves as the Journalism/Yearbook and Associated Student Body Advisor.

“Monique is a shining example of someone who gives her whole heart to teaching and inspires a love of learning in her students,” said Board of Education Vice President Teri Rocco. “We are happy to congratulate Monique on this well-deserved recognition.”

As the co-English Department Chair, Becerra has spearheaded important after-school support programs for students who need extra help. She is also the co-developer of the school’s Condor Character Counts program and has played an important role in shaping the school’s warm and welcoming culture. 

In her application, Becerra wrote about how during her own childhood, school was a safe haven. She’s carried that into her career, providing hope and optimism and transforming her classroom into a safe space for all students.  

GGUSD’s three nominees for the 2024 Orange County Teacher of the Year Program also include Paine Elementary School Teacher Meghan Fusillo and Monroe Elementary Language Academy Teacher Rolando Nunez. All three nominees will be recognized at the Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year Gala at the Disneyland Resort in the fall.

 

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