VSG Teacher of the year, WSD Teacher of the Year

Lake Los Angeles – Mrs. Rachelle Brigs was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Vista San Gabriel and Teacher of the Year for the Wilsona School District (WSD) and will go on to represent WSD at the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year event.

Rachelle has been teaching for 16 years, all of those years at Wilsona School District. She started in 2005 was a substitute and taught 3rd grade for three years. Rachelle recalled, “I was laid off so I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree and earn a Communications Disorders degree. I was hired back through the Gateway Program, taught pre-school speech for 4 years then hired for 1st grade full time teacher.

“I was nominated last year. I didn’t really see it coming this year. It is a surprise and an honor. I love teaching and I love my kids. It is so important to build relationships with the kids. This is the most loving bunch of kids I have ever taught. The day I was surprised by being chosen, the kids all clapped and wouldn’t stop clapping. They all had to hug me and tell me how proud they were of me.

“My first-grade team is so amazing. We are there for each other in school and personal issues. They have helped me get where I am today.

“This was a successful year. I thought the gaps would be bigger. My students have come a long way this year, being a “normal” year in the classroom. Next year I think the kids are going to be better prepared for how school works.”

The cheerful fish decorations on the door and in the classroom were a gift for Rachelle’s classroom given to her by her mother who was also a teacher.

By Shirley Harriman