Monte Vista High Teacher Named Finalist for National Education Award

Kimberley Gilles,  a language arts educator at Monte Vista High School in Danville, will receive the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, $10,000, and recognition as one of the nation’s top educators at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Awards Gala to be held on Feb. 7, 2014 in Washington, DC.

“Kimberley has been selected for this award by her peers because she has attained the highest teaching standards, as shown by her exemplary instruction, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, leadership in professional development, and engagement of parents and community,” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation.

Gilles was nominated for the award by the California Teachers Association (CTA), the state’s National Education Association affiliate.

“Part of Kimberley’s great ability in teaching is her attention to diversity,” said Dean E. Vogel, president of CTA. “Diversity is integrated into the text books she chooses, the music she selects, the model essays she presents, and even the decor of her classroom.”

The four other finalists are come from Montana, Minnesota, Washington and Connecticut.

“These educators teach a variety of topics, each playing an instrumental role in making sure the children of tomorrow are well-educated.  Horace Mann is proud to showcase the great work done by these educators.”

In addition to the recognition, students and educators at the awardees’ school will receive digital arts training from the Pearson Foundation.  Video profiles of the awardees will be produced during the trainings and featured at the awards gala. 

The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards with support from NEA Member Benefits, the Horace Mann Companies, the Pearson Foundation, and California Casualty.

For the first time, this year, on Feb. 7, 2014, the NEA Foundation will live stream the event on its website, enabling students, peers, and families of the awardees to join in the celebration.