The San Dieguito Union High School District honored its employees of the year and their commitment to the community’s students and families at the April 23 board meeting. Kathryn Stevens from La Costa Canyon High School was named this year’s Teacher of the Year and Erykah Baker from San Dieguito High School Academy was selected as the Classified Employee of the Year.
At La Costa Canyon, Stevens is the English department chair and reaches many students as an intervention coordinator, ensuring every student gets the extra they need. She is described as an “incredible educator and huge advocate for our students and staff.”
In a video presented to the board and audience, LCC Principal Justin Conn said Stevens does so much for the school and puts 100% joy and love into her teaching and interactions with students.
“With 25 years of experience in education, Stevens shares that what she enjoys most about teaching is seeing the impact her role has on students, empowering them to pursue their goals, and learning from them,” said Mary Anne Nuskin, associate superintendent of human resources.
Baker, the Classified Employee of the Year, started out in the district as a classified substitute teacher in 2021. She moved on to become SDA’s attendance secretary and was recently promoted to learning commons technician, where Principal Cara Dolnik said she will bring her love of books, learning and an artistic eye to help transform the space into a student-centered area.
”Her willingness to help everywhere needed and her ability to interact with students, families and staff with patience and grace truly set her apart from others,” Nuskin said.
The San Diego County Office of Education and Cox Communications celebrated Stevens and 51 school district teachers of the year at the “Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” event on April 25. Most of the school district winners will go on to compete for one of five spots as San Diego County Teachers of the Year, which will be announced by June 15.
