Math teacher Nita Madra is a semi-finalist for “Teacher of the Year” for Contra Costa County. She is in contention with 22 other teachers from 17 school districts. Other local teachers eligible include Stanley Middle School math teacher Cooper Howard and Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School science teacher Kim Lockett.
Madra was already selected as the “Teacher of the Year” for the Acalanes Union High School District for 2012-2013.
A 14-person committee will look over the applications, while a smaller subcommittee will observe the teachers in the classroom. Madra’s observation and interview took place on May 8, and she prepared by reviewing the criteria sent to her by the committee.
The criteria the committee will look for includes lesson preparation, classroom participation, and promotion of self-esteem. An interview will also take place after the observation, covering the teacher’s techniques for teaching and maintaining discipline and self-esteem.
3 finalists will be chosen sometime in May, while the title will be awarded next fall on September 26.
Madra’s previous accolades include the Edyth May Sliffe Award from 2009, and a nomination for Teacher of the Year in 2007. “You feel honored that you’re considered with the top teachers,” said Madra.
