Gina is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for her persistence in grant acquisition as well as her creative ability to bring history to life. She has implemented new ways of learning into her classroom, from Lego animations to robot programming. She believes that the ability to simulate things is the key in keeping students engaged and excited about the material. The message of hometown pride that Gina is giving to her students is inspiring and commendable. She is a role model for kids of all backgrounds who will, one day, travel and change the world because of her example.

Roderick is being recognized as a “Sharp Idea” award recipient. His students don’t design and create merely for the sake of designing and creating; but rather, he challenges them to solve real world problems through their designs. Being thoughtful of our environment, he encourages his students to leave a sustainable legacy, being mindful of how and with what they create. The culture in his classes encourages kids to dream big and then he gives them the tools to actually bring those dreams to fruition.

Connie is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for many reasons. Her commitment to provide the latest technology tools for her students stands out as she is constantly learning about the latest classroom advancements via conferences or online videos. As she introduces her students to new ideas and methods, she admires how quickly they adapt and teach her shortcuts and new tricks as well. Her outlook is both inspiring and motivating for all around her - professional ruts can happen, but only if you allow them.

Jason is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for his outstanding accomplishments in the use of technology as a classroom tool. Serving Jurupa Unified, Jason has greatly implemented technology into his daily practice within the classroom. Through use of robots and Legos, he has challenged his students to build and create while he acts as a guide, leading students to find what they are passionate about. He has empowered students to believe that their voice matters, regardless of age or grade.

Josh is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for his ability to create and build a positive culture. When hiring potential educators, Josh is keen on finding people who can deeply care for the students they’ll be teaching. With the focus of the school being deep love and deep care for the students, confidence is built and authentic relationships can be formed. His leadership style allows the teachers to make decisions and they are empowered to try new things.

Joe is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for his unwavering attention on the individual student, ultimately nurturing their learning abilities. He has contributed tech innovations, helped open a new school, and is currently the Principal and Design Facilitator in Poway USD. His leadership style is unmatched as he thoughtfully hires educators who come with diverse sets of superpowers. He has a strategy to create culture - and culture is not something he is willing to compromise.

Anagabriela is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient due to her technological integrations in the classroom that have greatly increased student engagement. She has implemented project-based learning programs in which her students can learn from and connect with industry professionals. One project in particular, a Shark Tank simulation, has had a great impact on her students and has created excitement for younger students who are looking forward to entering fourth grade.

Erica is being honored as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for her ability to make challenging concepts more understandable for her students (and parents as well). As a math teacher, educating online during the pandemic became increasingly difficult, but she always encouraged her students to be gracious with themselves and remember how resilient they are. Math is hard for all people, not just students, so Erica created a Facebook page called “Mad Math” in which she helps parents and students alike understand difficult concepts.

Middle school science teacher and Technology Coach, Ann is being recognized as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for her adaptability and unwavering support throughout the pandemic and online school. When the shutdown initially happened, Ann sprung to work, helping her peers get set up at home and making videos for the staff to learn to navigate online learning. Her tireless efforts and daily encouragements were widely appreciated by her fellow staff and students. She is passionate about her students and encourages them to always stay curious.

Unstoppable. Driven. Hopeful. These are words that describe Jenna Baumann, a moderate-to-severe special education teacher at Pacific High School in San Bernardino. Within an on-campus coffee shop, she has worked to build and grow an environment that teaches her students tangible skills that they can use in the workforce one day. She is constantly networking for her students in order to create an environment that they can thrive in. She is working towards making her program into a formal career pathway, focused on special education students.

A sixth grade teacher at Rogers Middle School in Lawndale ESD and a seemingly endless source of enthusiasm, Rosangel teaches language arts and history in both English and Spanish, as part of their dual immersion program. Her upbringing in the Dominican Republic has prepared her for this role and offered interesting perspective into how these school districts differ. She views herself as an ambassador as she works to bridge the gap and provide a friendly face to students who find themselves here. Rosangel is a beacon of hope and a real life example of being able to do anything you set your mind to.

A former science teacher and current Principal at Castle Rock Elementary, Jen has always longed to give her students rich experiences. With limited funds as a middle school science teacher for 17 years, Jen brought immersive technology into the classroom that turned frog dissections into a virtual experience. She is an advocate for women in STEM and believes that exposure from a young age into this career field is the key ingredient in getting more women into these jobs. Jen is being recognized as a Sharp Ideas Award recipient for her strides within technology and science in the classroom, and her long-term commitment to the pursuit of education.

20-year educator Janelle Vecchio is receiving a Sharp Idea Award for her creativity and ingenuity in the classroom. Janelle currently serves her district as a TOSA (Teacher On Special Assignment) but worked many years in the classroom prior to this role. During her time in the classroom, she implemented a pirate-themed “escape room” for third and fourth graders that allows them to unlock clues during timed segments. Through her role as a TOSA where she supports an after-school program, Janelle has been able to bring the escape room to several campuses and over 300 students. Her unwavering support of both teachers and students has been felt district-wide through her roles as both teacher and TOSA.

Dual Immersion History teacher Anthony Gomez is receiving a Sharp Idea Award due to his integrity and unwavering commitment to his students. As an ESL learner himself, he is a firsthand witness as to how empowering the Dual Immersion program can be for many students. His fearlessness in the face of changing technology has empowered his students and fellow teachers to evolve and expand their own ways of thinking. Although a self-proclaimed introvert, Gomez’s plethora of costumes and historical raps have allowed his middle school students to embrace their inner-kid and explore their creativity in and outside of the classroom.

When Crystal Meyer arrived at Portola Middle School as an Assistant Principal, the campus was facing one major issue: attendance. After some creative brainstorming, Crystal and her team came up with the idea of a “Game Lab.” The Game Lab is a before-school program that allows students to play video games with their friends before their first class of the day. Aside from drastically increasing student attendance, the Game Lab has greatly improved student morale. Crystal Meyer is receiving a Sharp Idea Award for her innovation and creative problem-solving in and outside of the classroom. Her willingness to change and evolve has made her an exceptional leader and collaborator.