Team FUSD: Rachel Brown is 2023 Teacher of the Year

The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) is proud to name Rachel Brown as its 2023 Teacher of the Year. The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening. Brown was selected from an outstanding group of nominees from FUSD schools.

“Being selected as district Teacher of the Year is such an unexpected honor, and I am so humbled and grateful to be chosen,” said Brown, who is a 4th grade teacher at Mission San Jose Elementary (MSJE), and is in her 24th year of teaching in FUSD.

“Rachel Brown is an exemplary representative of our outstanding District educators, who balance nurturing each student’s needs and strengths with challenging all learners to approach content with curiosity and a drive for deeper understanding,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack.

“In all domains of her teaching and school leadership, Mrs. Brown provides a voice for student advocacy that is informed, data-driven, and thoughtful of the well-being of the whole child,” said MSJE Principal Katy Carter. “Mrs. Brown models kindness, empathy, compassion, and respect for all members of the MSJE community; this same display of upstanding character is mirrored by her students.”

“Our students need the staff at our schools more than ever,” said Cammack. “The role of that teacher, that individual in the classroom, is so inherently critical to the social and emotional success of each child.”

“I continue to be in awe of the students and their families, who truly value education and show up ready to learn, grow, and strive for a bright future,” said Brown. “It is my great joy to have a hand in shaping and encouraging the next generation, and I am so thankful for the supportive staff at MSJE and our amazing administrator, Katy Carter.”

Each FUSD school can nominate one teacher for Teacher of the Year consideration. After a committee scores each nomination on a rubric that measures instructional excellence, contributions to the District and teacher leadership, the highest-scoring nominees are selected as finalists and participate in an interview process.

In addition to Brown, the 2023 finalists included Melissa Auger from Thornton Junior High, Stephanie Keller from Mattos Elementary, Maria Dimitrova from Brier Elementary, Anjum Mujeeb from Glankler Early Learning, Jason Boyer from Parkmont Elementary, and Ida Wong from Warm Springs Elementary.

“If anything we love our kids the most - from tiny little things, to my kids are now past college - but they are the most precious to us, and we trust them in your hands,” said FUSD Board President Vivek Prasad to all Teacher of the Year nominees during a Wednesday evening reception that included nominees’ families and school administrators. “The gratitude that I have is immense.”

“To students, teachers are a beacon of safety and hope, and a constant guide to ensure that learning and development happens for all of our students,” said Superintendent CJ Cammack. “I congratulate all of our honorees.”

A video from the March 22 Board of Education meeting at which finalists were honored and Brown was announced as Teacher of the Year is available here (item starts at 2:50).

Brown will represent FUSD to be considered for Alameda County honors, and then possibly state recognition.