Golden State Today

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond made a special visit to Godinez Fundamental High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District on May 6, 2024, to recognize and appreciate teachers during the school's annual "Teacher Appreciation Breakfast."

Expressing his gratitude, Superintendent Thurmond stated, "I want to thank all the outstanding teachers here and across California as we ring in Teacher Appreciation Week. You are the architects of knowledge, shaping the future one lesson at a time."

Reflecting on his own education, Superintendent Thurmond emphasized the crucial role of educators, saying, "As a product of public education myself, I understand the invaluable impact that dedicated educators have on shaping young minds. The only reason I am here is because of an inclusive and supportive environment in the form of public education and people who believed in me. Thank you to all our amazing educators!"

During the event, Superintendent Thurmond also took the opportunity to interact with teachers and present Lakeshore Learning Materials gift cards as tokens of appreciation. He highlighted pathways for individuals interested in pursuing a career in education and discussed initiatives to support aspiring educators, including scholarships and training programs.

Furthermore, Superintendent Thurmond addressed the $1.5 billion Educator Effectiveness Block Grant, which provides training resources for school staff in high-need areas such as accelerated learning, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices. He underscored the importance of connecting potential candidates with available resources and collaborating with educational organizations to promote teacher recruitment and development in California.

As Teacher Appreciation Week continues, Superintendent Thurmond's efforts to recognize and support teachers in Santa Ana Unified and throughout the state serve as a testament to the dedication and impact of educators on the future generations.