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Compton Unified Honors 2023 Teachers of the Year


Media Release

Compton, California – May 15, 2023 – Compton Unified School District is thrilled to announce the 2023 Teachers of the Year for each of the district’s schools. The 32 educators were recognized in an intimate awards reception held Thursday, May 11, culminating with naming the 2023 Compton Unified Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Darin Brawley opened the reception by identifying the hard work of all teachers across the school district. “To all the teachers in Compton, allow me to say thank you for all that you do,” said Dr. Brawley. “We appreciate what you do for our community, what you do for our students, and how you represent us as an organization. We're an example for other school districts throughout the state of California. None of that would have been possible without you.”

Chief Academic Officer Mario Marcos and Senior Director of Educational Services K-8 Jennifer Moon presented the awards to the 32 recipients. The evening concluded with Kelly Elementary School’s Rashanda McCruter being named the 2023 CUSD Teacher of the Year.

After receiving the Teacher of the Year award, Mrs. McCruter said: “I feel so blessed and honored to have spent my life in Compton. I’ve been here for 23 years and every year is better. What’s happening here is not happening in other districts. Compton is where it’s at. To make concrete, solid children who are good people, who want to learn, who are hungry for knowledge is the reason I happily go to work every day.”

CUSD Board of Trustee Denzell O. Jordan-Perry was in attendance and recognized the group’s hard work: “I grew up and went to school from kindergarten to 12th grade in Compton. It changed my life. From the bottom of my heart, I really appreciate every single person here for the work you put in for the City of Compton. You’re here because you want to be here. Compton has some great things happening.”  

2023 Teachers of the Year

Kathreen Speer, Anderson Elem School
Patrice West, Bunche Elementary School
Sonia Bravo, Bursch Elementary School
Maryfe Del Mar, Clinton Elementary School 
Maria Knight, Dickison Elementary School
Janelle Amperse, Emerson Elem School
Linda Manak, Foster Elementary School
Rea Young, Jefferson Elementary School
Magdalena Bailey, Kennedy Elem School 
Dionne Rollins Williams, King Elem School  
Elsa Meza, Laurel Elementary School    
Araceli Lombera, Longfellow Elem School
Saul Sanchez, Mayo Elementary School
Tahasijan Taylor, McKinley Elem School     
Millicent Asante, McNair Elementary School
Scharee Edmondson, Roosevelt Elem School     
Ricardo Hernandez Rosecrans Elementary School
John Gomez, Tibby Elementary School
Vasana Manivanh Do, Washington Elementary School 
Martha Garcia, Bunche Middle School  
Patrice Countz, Compton Early College Middle School
Vanessa Gutierrez, Davis Middle School  Ryan Carbonara, Enterprise Middle School   
Senian Norman, Walton Middle School  
Matthew Reeves, Whaley Middle School
Kyle Higgins, Centennial High School    
Mercedes Leon Garcia, Compton Early College High School
Merlinda Torreon, Compton High School
Gloria Esiobu, Dominguez High School 
Herman Miranda, Chavez High School  
Dawn Fitzgerald, Marshall High School
Adelita Maheia, Compton Adult School  

Watch a profile on the 2023 Compton Unified Teacher of the Year Rashanda McCruter on CUSD’s YouTube channel below: