Schools
Alhambra High Teacher Is Finalist for Contra Costa Teacher of Year
Brian Wheeler, who teaches automotive technology at the Martinez high school, is among four finalists throughout the county.
Brian Wheeler of the Martinez Unified School District is one of four teachers named as finalist for the 2014-2015 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY).
Other finalists are: Michael Kleiman, Liberty Union High School District; Elizabeth Lanfranki, Pittsburg Unified School District; and Karen Young, San Ramon Valley Unified School District.
Two of these four finalists will be chosen in late September, and will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program.
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Wheeler is completing his fourth year of teaching automotive technology to all grades at Alhambra High School in Martinez. Before earning his teaching credential and then coming to Alhambra High, Wheeler spent the first 30 years of his career working in auto repair technology.
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The county's TOY program is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
As part of the selection process for the top teacher, during late April and early May, a small committee of education specialists and business partners will observe Wheeler and the other finalists interacting with their students during class.
The complete list of 2013-2014 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives are:
Nikki Alford, Oakley Union Elementary School District, Gehringer Elementary
Jason Davis, Knightsen Elementary School District, Knightsen Elementary
Keith Johnson, West Contra Costa USD, El Cerrito High
Kevin Jones, Antioch Unified School District, Antioch High
Jane Kelson, Acalanes Union High School District, Campolindo High
Michael Kleiman, Liberty Union High School District, Freedom High
Elizabeth Lanfranki, Pittsburg Unified School District, Martin Luther King, Jr. Junior High
Patrick Leong, Contra Costa County College District, Diablo Valley College
Dorinda Mas, Byron Union School District, Discovery Bay Elementary
Bruce McCormick, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Portola Middle
CiCi Migay, Brentwood Union School District, Brentwood Elementary
Tricia Newhart, Orinda Union School District, Del Ray Elementary
Catherine Patterson, John Swett Unified School District, Rodeo Hills Elementary
Ann Ralph, Moraga School District, Donald Rheem Elementary
Gail Robles, Walnut Creek School District, Parkmead Elementary
Joann Rossi, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Early Start Program (Marchus Schoo)
Stephen Slater, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Wren Avenue Elementary
Kara Teach, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Charlotte Wood Middle
Olivia Vann, Lafayette School District, Springhill Elementary
Brian Wheeler, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High
Karen Young, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Coyote Creek Elementary
Kathleen Young, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Highlands Elementary
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