Burbank Teacher Named 2012 National Teacher of the Year
President Barack Obama recognized Rebecca Mieliwocki of the Burbank Unified School District as 2012 National Teacher of the Year at the White House on Tuesday.
Mieliwocki, a seventh grade English teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School, was named Los Angeles County teacher of the year in October and was one of five California teachers of the year.
Mieliwocki was recognized for her creative teaching techniques, including sending weekly parent memos and maintaining a class Facebook page.
“Rebecca is the definition of above and beyond,” President Obama said. "She's got high expectations for her seventh graders, and for herself; but she also knows that school can be fun," he said.
Mieliwocki was accompanied to the White House by Burbank Unified Superintendent Stan Carrizosa. The Superintendent said she has demonstrated "a tireless work ethic and an obsession to improve kids' lives."
For Mieliwocki , teaching is in her DNA; both of her parents were public school educators. The winner told the times the award represents a milestone in her career.
“It's who I am. It's who I'm supposed to be," she said in a statement. "Teaching truly is a calling.”
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