Announcing the County Teacher of the Year Deborah Bordeau, Oakley Unified Elementary School District

The COE’s Annual Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held on September 15, was another huge success!  Concluding an energy-driven and exciting evening at the Concord Hilton, our emcee, Dr. Joseph Ovick, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools, concluded the night-long anticipated naming of our county’s next Teacher of the Year – it was Laurel Elementary’s Deborah Bordeau (right).  Bordeau has been teaching at Laurel Elementary for the past two decades.

After accepting her award, Bordeau told the crowded room: “Exactly one year ago today, I was sitting in a chair receiving my last chemo treatment for breast cancer, and then this year, I’m on stage being honored as Teacher of the Year for the county.  So if anyone tells you not much happens in a year – don’t you believe them!”

Following being named by the Oakley Union Elementary School District as their district Teacher of the Year (TOY), this past March, Bordeau successfully proceeded with the other 17 eligible county candidates through a rigorous county-wide selection process, which included an application screening, classroom evaluation, interview, and speech presentation.  Her fellow finalists were Donna Kenyon, a fifth grade teacher at Baldwin Elementary in Danville, and Sue Noce, a Spanish and reading teacher at Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek.

More than 400 attendees were on hand for an evening that will certainly not be forgotten.  The audience was made up of the TOYs’ family members and friends, as well as numerous local educators, business partners, and officials.  Kicking off the festivities was “Cool Beans 5,” Heritage High’s Jazz ensemble, directed by former 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year finalist Steve Ernest.  Dr. Ovick introduced the TOY class of 2011-2012 (19 on hand) by sharing to the audience his visits to each of the teachers' classrooms.  This was followed by speeches of the three TOY finalists, their topic: “What I have learned from my students.”  Following the three speeches, Bordeau's announcement was made.

The evening’s festivities were taped by CCTV, is scheduled for the following broadcast date:
* Thursday, October 20, 8:00 p.m.

CCTV is on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse channel 99.  For additional air dates, check CCTV’s program guide.

Region VI ACSA Awards Recognize COE's Educational Leadership

Dr. Joseph A Ovick, Contra Costa County Superintendent of School and Marie McClaskey, Director of Student Programs.

Marie McClaskey, CCCOE Director of Student Programs, received the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region VI Nels Nelson Award at the organization's recognition dinner Friday, April 23. Region VI is comprised of all chapters in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The person receiving this award is chosen based on educational leadership that is visionary, ethical, demonstrates a commitment and dedication to student achievement, and whose influence is far reaching.

During her 37 years in education, Marie McClaskey has been a model of integrity, honesty, and professionalism. As director of Student Programs and former program manager for the CCCOE, Marie's commitment to public education and to ACSA has been exemplary and unwavering. She has served ACSA as Region President, and Treasurer, and Delegate to the General Assembly. She devotes herself to providing the highest quality education possible and to giving back to the profession. Marie was honored for her tireless work, strong values, and her many contributions to public education.

Dr. Joseph A. Ovick, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools, was also honored at the ACSA Region VI recognition dinner. Dr. Ovick received the Ferd. J. Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award that goes to a person whose contribution to public education has had a significant impact over a wide geographical area, state or national.

Joe was awarded this honor due to his extraordinary capabilities as a leader and manager who has developed strong coalitions of educators, community members, business leaders, and legislators in support of public schools. He is able to communicate a compelling vision and bring together the people and resources required to accomplish that vision.

Joe advocates for all learners in the state and the nation by providing sound, practical counsel to legislators in the crafting of key education legislation. In addition to his tireless advocacy for K-12 funding, he has gone to bat for establishing universal preschools because he supports a young child's right to enter elementary school prepared. He is a strong advocate for funding of community colleges and state universities. He travels to Washington, D.C. annually to discuss educational concerns with our members of Congress and the U.S. Senate. He is a strong voice for special education in his quest to secure full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Congressman George Miller, Chair of the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee says, "I have often turned to Joe for unvarnished, detailed information about education and youth. His keen insights and wealth of information often help me make decisions about shaping, supporting or opposing key pieces of legislation."

Congratulations to both Dr. Ovick and Marie!