La Mesa High School District Math Teacher Wins County Award

LA MESA, CA — San Diego County has given awards to five teachers, including one from a school district in La Mesa, based partly on how they handled the sudden demands of giving classes online as well as in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The San Diego County Office of Education announced Friday its 2021-22 Teacher of the Year awards, giving all five an automatic shot at winning statewide teacher of the year recognition.

Among the five was Tiffany Jokerst, a math and engineering teacher for grades nine through 12 at West Hills High School, which is part of Grossmont Union High School District in La Mesa. She found ways of breaking down students' fears of sometimes tough subject matter, the education office said in a statement.

“To get her students past their fear of math, Jokerst builds relationships through endearing interaction, humorous activities and facilitating discussions beyond math – all to create a safe environment where students can take risks, learn from one another, and thrive,” the office said.

School districts throughout the county picked candidates for the awards and sent their names to a selection committee made up of former awardees, county education office representatives and parent-teacher association members. The county's 33 candidates followed up with essays and letters of recommendation.

Teachers are doing more than normal for their students as the pandemic continues, said Paul Gothold, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “They work tirelessly to make sure students’ social and emotional needs are cared for while providing the supports they need to participate and succeed in school,” Gothold said in the statement.

Teachers statewide called off classes, held them online or both as the COVID-19 pandemic ripped through the state in early 2020. In San Diego County, 98 percent of school districts had reopened for in-person learning as of May this year.

“This has been a very challenging year for teachers as it has for students as well,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, a county education office communications specialist. “So, many teachers had to put together multiple lesson plans that covered online learning, in-person learning or a combination of both. I know each of them has had a challenging time over the past year.”

Digital cable provider Cox Communications will follow up the awards with a one-hour television special to recognize local teachers and spotlight the teachers of the year. The 31st annual "Salute to Teachers" will begin airing 9 p.m. Oct. 17 on the YurView Network.