PYLUSD teachers, instructional aides, and more honored at fourth annual Exceptional Educator Event

Twenty-six Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) educators were honored at the fourth annual Exceptional Educator Event on Wednesday, April 27.

The event was hosted by the Special Education Department in collaboration with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a parent-led organization focused on creating, promoting, and maintaining high-quality and appropriate programs for students receiving special education services in the Placentia-Yorba Linda or Brea-Olinda school districts.

Prior to the recognition, the district sought nominations for PYLUSD professionals who have made exceptional contributions to their students. Nominations were accepted for any staff members or other individuals from PYLUSD that have gone above and beyond to support and care for students. This year’s nominees included teachers, instructional aides, principals, child care leads, long-term substitute teachers, bus drivers, district psychologists, and speech and language pathologists.

“It’s wonderful to hear from the community how our PYLUSD educators are making a difference in the lives of their children with special needs,” Special Education Executive Director and event host Renee Gray shared. “The most enjoyable moment for me was watching the honorees’ families see firsthand how their loved ones have positively impacted students.”

Throughout the night, the nominated educators were able to see how much of a role they played in helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally through the kind messages displayed on screen from the students’ loved ones.

Among the exceptional educators was Lakeview Elementary School principal Stephanie Given, who received the first “All Means All Award” for supporting the needs of all students on her campus.

She recalled what it meant for her to be a part of the event. “Receiving the All Means All Award reminded me of my “why,” Given shared. “It was a humbling moment of recognition where I felt truly seen and affirmed. It was a true honor to attend the Exceptional Educator Recognition alongside brilliant educators.”

The celebration concluded with a heartwarming video slideshow that featured pictures of the night’s honorees working with their beloved students as they were reminded in the background song that, “You have made a difference.”

The district’s 2022 Exceptional Educators include: