Pasadena Unified’s Julie Silk Named One of Los Angeles County’s ‘Teachers of the Year’

First grade teacher Julie Silk at the Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet Academy has been selected as one of Los Angeles County’s 16 Teachers of the Year for helping her students thrive during the challenging 2020-21 pandemic school year.

The LA County Office of Education (LACOE) announced the honorees Friday at its annual awards banquet held in-person for the first time in almost two years.

Silk and the other 15 teachers were selected from a field of 56 teachers representing the 52 school districts that participated in the 40th annual competition. Silk was earlier chosen as the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Teacher of the Year. She will advance with other finalists from around the state to the statewide Teachers of the Year competition this fall.

Silk, a Pasadena resident, approaches teaching holistically, emphasizing compassion and inclusion, according to the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She’s been teaching for 19 years.

“Teaching is more than academics, Julie believes,” the LACOE said in a statement. “It is compassion, inclusion and creating opportunities that will eventually make a difference in the world. She views her students as unique individuals who deserve to have a voice and choice.”

On September 14, Silk was recognized by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation during a surprise Big Day for Teachers ceremony at Jackson Elementary, where Tournament of Roses President Bob Miller presented her with a Donors Choose Gift Card. Silk can use the gift card toward student resources.

Big Day for Teachers is a part of the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Week, September 10 to 18, which celebrates educators across the country.

“Silk, who was named PUSD’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, is an inspiring teacher who engages students and their families, cultivating strong bonds through whole class lessons and intentional support through small groups, focused lessons, and individual attention,” PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald said later in a statement to the PUSD community.