LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lorie honored as Moraga Teacher of the Year


Karen Sakata and Amanda Lorie.

On May 12, Contra Costa County Office of Education Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata visited the classroom of Amanda Lorie at Donald Rheem Elementary School. Lorie, a 10-year instructor, was recently named Moraga School District's Teacher of the Year. For the past couple of years, Lorie has been teaching kindergarten at Rheem Elementary. Prior to her current position, she has taught grades K-2 at both Rheem Elementary and Quail Run Elementary, in San Ramon.

When asked about her philosophy of teaching, Lorie answered, "Teaching is a delicate balancing act of science, systems, culture, and heart. I believe in the socio-cognitive model of learning, and that students learn what they live, not only in the home, but in the classroom as well," she said. "To be truly successful in school, students need to feel connected and safe. They need to feel valued and that their teacher knows who they are, what is important to the child (interests, hobbies, etc.), and that their teacher thinks the child matters. Lasting, caring relationships, in addition to systems an routines - these are the things my students and I work on, and build together, all year."

On the evening of September 28, the 22 Contra Costa County TOYs, class of 2017-18, including Lorie, will be introduced and honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Concord Hilton.