Castro Valley Teacher Ranked Among Alameda County's Best of 2020

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — A Castro Valley Unified School District teacher was named as one of the best teachers in Alameda County in 2020.

Jina Kim, a fourth grade Vannoy Elementary School teacher, was one of 12 teachers recognized across the 10 Alameda County Office of Education school districts for their "dedication and excellence in the classroom," the county education office said Thursday in a news release.

"This year it feels particularly important and healing to shine a spotlight on educators who perform such a critical service in our community," Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe.

The teachers will be honored at a virtual ceremony Dec. 9. Each teacher will be presented their award after a video honoring their work, the county education office said.

Due to the pandemic, the county education office will not nominate Teacher of the Year honorees, but will nominate two teachers in 2021 from the 2020 and 2021 classes for the title.

The Alameda County Office of Education said it is currently accepting nominations here from parents and students for its Bridging the Distance Award, which recognizes "teachers who have demonstrated innovation, creativity, compassion, care and a commitment to equity during the COVID-19 pandemic."