 | | | Kristen Plant Photo provided | | | | | | County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced on Sept. 23 that high school teachers Kristen Plant of Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) and Michelle Wilson of Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) were named the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
With the county Teacher of the Year program dating back to 1973, Plant is the first-ever recipient of the award from the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) and Wilson is the fourth winner from San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) in five years.
Plant is a 19-year veteran at Miramonte High School and is currently teaching English and Visual and Performing Arts. A former speech competitor, she leads a nationally recognized public speaking and debate program which operates as both an academic elective and an extracurricular competitive speech and debate team. Plant is a graduate of Georgetown University and earned her teaching credential at Cal State East Bay.
She holds leadership positions in several associations including the National Speech and Debate Association and California High School Speech Association, and was named CHSSA Coach of the Year in 2016. She is also recognized as being a "tireless and compassionate advocate for racial equity on her campus," AUHSD Associate Superintendent Amy McNamara said. "She is one of the teachers I most admire in the district: she is thoughtful, positive, steps up to leadership opportunities, and is always thinking about how to make Miramonte High School a great place for all students."
"As a public speaking teacher, Ms. Plant goes above and beyond to support her students," said Miramonte senior Isabelle Bennette, who also introduced Plant in the broadcast. "While in Public Speaking, I developed confidence and writing due, in large part, to Ms. Plant's guidance. She has been an incredible ally to marginalized student groups. Ms. Plant creates an atmosphere of empowerment, trust, and hope for all her students to grow and strive in."
Plant and Wilson will go on to represent Contra Costa County at the California State Teacher of the Year competition. The State Teachers of the Year are expected to be announced in mid-October. The county teacher of the year program is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA