LAUSD Teacher Named As 1 of 5 California Teachers Of The Year

LOS ANGELES — Andrew Lewis, a high school music teacher from the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, was honored as 2024 California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond Monday, Oct. 16, according to a news release issued by Los Angeles Unified School District.

According to that release, Lewis has been recognized as an ambassador for the profession, and will be honored as representatives of the state for the calendar year.

“Congratulations, Mr. Lewis, for being an exemplary educator and representing the best in our community, state and nation.” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho offered Lewis his congratulations, saying Lewis was an "exemplary educator" and represented "the best in our community, state and nation."

“I am pleased to recognize Mr. Lewis for the magic he brings to his classroom each and every day," Carvalho said. "Our teachers are vital to our school communities and lead our students toward the bright futures each and every one of them deserves."

Lewis said it was an honor to be selected as a California Teacher of the Year.

"I am passionate about my students receiving the arts education they deserve and I'm grateful for this recognition from the California Department of Education," he said.

Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts Principal Jantré Christian said that Lewis had "excellent instructional outcomes," and "unwavering dedication" to his students.

"Mr. Lewis has demonstrated an ongoing and consistent commitment to his students and families in our community – both inside the classroom and out," Christian said, adding that Lewis often works weekends and stays late after school to "provide students with opportunities to rehearse and participate" in public performances.

"He sets high expectations and provides support for all students to reach those expectations," Christian continued. "He has created a safe learning environment that affirms all student identities. Drew Lewis is a joy to collaborate with and is an excellent example of teacher leadership that extends beyond our campus. His ensembles, instructional practice, and work product are a constant source of pride for all of us at Ramon C. Cortines School of VAPA."

LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg said that since music education "enriches students’ lives and fosters creativity, discipline, and expression" she found it to be a "particular joy" to see Lewis recognized.

“We are proud of Andrew Lewis for achieving this outstanding honor,” Goldberg said.

Other 2024 Teachers of the Year winners included:

• Casey Cuny, a high school honors English and Senior Myth and Folklore teacher at William S. Hart High School and Valencia High School in the William S. Hart Unified School District (Los Angeles County).
• Joseph Alvarico, a high school Engineering Essentials, Introduction to Engineering Design, and honors computer teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School in the Mount Diablo Unified School District (Contra Costa County).
• Hannah Rodriguez, a prekindergarten special education teacher at Beardslee Dual Language Immersion Academy in the Duarte Unified School District (Los Angeles County).
• Gregory Wolf, a high school dual-enrollment U.S. History, dual-enrollment political science, and Advanced Placement psychology teacher at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District (Santa Barbara County).