LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Miller Advances as Teacher of the Year Finalist


Terryl Miller Photos Cathy Dausman

Terryl Miller of Los Perales Elementary School in Moraga has been named a finalist in the selection for Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year. She joins Mona Keeler, of San Ramon Valley Unified School District and Dr. Rona Zollinger of the Martinez Unified School District. "I am very excited to be chosen as a finalist," Miller said. "It's quite an honor to be recognized in this manner and I certainly was not expecting this. Right now, I'm looking forward to a little relaxation this summer." That might prove difficult, however, since Miller's summer duties include tutoring, online classes, a webinar, a teaching conference in Denver, and teaching for Moraga's Parks and Recreation Department. In August, Miller, Keeler and Zollinger will be judged on a short speech they present to a panel of 12 educators, business, and public-sector representatives. All 21 Teacher of the Year nominees including Kim Burris of the Orinda Unified School District, Mette Thallaug of Burton Valley Elementary School, and Michael Buchel of Acalanes High School will be honored at a dinner September 20 emceed by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Ovick. The Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the evening's end.