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2006 HEEF Educational Leadership Awardees

Janet Gonzalez
Arnold O. Beckman High School, Tustin USD
Most Promising Young Teacher

Ms. Janet Gonzalez graduated from Saddleback High School and was born and raised in Santa Ana. She began her teaching career in 2002 as an instructional assistant in her home town. She had just graduated from UC Irvine with a double major in Social Ecology and Spanish Literature. As an undergraduate she had served as a residential advisor for the UCI Gifted Students Academy, where her interest in teaching was ignited. Her motivation readily became apparent, and soon she was the program coordinator, overseeing the training of all residential advisors and supervising them throughout the summer program. Janet pursued her career in education and soon became a certified substitute teacher for Santa Ana Unified School District. She earned a Master of Arts in Education and single subject clear credential from Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California. She taught Spanish at Centennial High School in Corona for two years, then moved on to her current position at Arnold O. Beckman High School. She teaches honors and advanced placement Spanish. Each summer she returns to UCI, applying her leadership skills and joy of teaching to the Gifted Students Academy. In all her endeavors, Janet returns to her roots, giving back to her community in full measure.

Lorraine Gerard
Segerstrom Fundamental High School, Santa Ana USD
Excellence in Teaching

Ms. Lorraine Gerard has twice been selected Teacher of the Year at Century High School, where she taught for over ten years, until the new Segerstrom school opened in 2005. She also had taught at Spurgeon Intermediate and at St. Barbara’s. She was celebrated as High School Teacher of the Year for the Santa Ana District and Orange County Teacher of the Year. Although Lorraine is a seasoned and accomplished teacher, she strives for ever-increasing effective teaching methods and materials and takes advantage of special opportunities for personal development. In fact, she feels she still has much to learn. This is evident in her participation in the UC Irvine Humanities Out There program, in which Lorraine collaborated with UCI faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in an ambitious standards-based set of World History units. Not only did she contribute to the topics, she tested the units in her own classroom and provided feedback for the final product. She has served on many committees, all focused on improving and enriching student learning and attainment. Lorraine earned her bachelor’s degree at McGill University in Montreal, and a master’s in education from Cal State San Bernardino. She has a single subject clear credential in social science from UC Irvine.

Laura Rubio
Century High School, Santa Ana USD
Excellence in Teaching

Ms. Laura Rubio is a well respected professional at Century High School, where she was a student and graduate of the Class of 1996. She began her journey into teaching through the UCI Pathways Project, a partnership with Santa Ana Unified, participating as a teacher’s aide. Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in history at UC Irvine and a master’s in cross-cultural education from National University. She distinguished herself from the start by taking on extra activities. In addition to teaching World History (including Honors and AP), she serves as the lead teacher for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and co-advises the Model United Nations program. One of the hallmarks of her teaching style is the use of technology in the classroom, paired with interactive student participation and positive feedback. Laura demonstrates her leadership skills and commitment to the school as co-department chair, and her continuous efforts to serve the school’s mission and student academic performance. She also believes in the powerful impact of team sports and the character-building influence sports have on young people. She has given countless hours as head coach of the aquatics programs, including boys swimming and water polo and girls water polo. The catch is that Century High School has no swimming pool. Despite the hardship, Laura perseveres and uses a pool across town. In all her professional activities, she helps students pursue their dreams of success in school and in life.

David Pagni, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics, California State University, Fullerton
Educational Leadership

David L. Pagni is Professor of Mathematics at Cal State Fullerton, where he has taught for 37 years. His leadership and multifaceted contributions to mathematics education have reduced the achievement gap for disadvantaged students and improved student academic performance. He also has made a tremendous difference in training teachers to the state standards. David earned his bachelor’s at CSU Chico, a master’s in science at Notre Dame, and doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His interests span the full spectrum of mathematics education, including K-12 curriculum and instruction and technology in the classroom. He has achieved a level of productivity in teaching, research, and service that few attain. David has received prestigious honors and accolades, including Outstanding Professor, California State University System (22 campuses) and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Additionally, he was recognized in the Congressional Record for his contributions to the students of Orange County by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. He has written more than 180 articles in professional journals on teaching mathematics. David Pagni has garnered a number of major grants from the National Science Foundation involving professional development for K-12 teachers. His influence and achievements in the discipline at the local, state, and national level are a testament to his scholarly and creativity activity throughout his distinguished career.