John Muragu is FUSD’s 2024 Teacher of the Year
Fremont Unified proudly named John Muragu its 2024 Teacher of the Year. The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening. Muragu was selected from an outstanding group of nominees from FUSD schools.
Muragu is a Resource Teacher and the Special Education Department Chair at Washington High School, and has been a teacher in FUSD since 2017.
“Fremont Unified is an exceptional school district because of our exceptional educators,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “John Muragu is an excellent teacher: he is creative, caring, and a role model for others. He brings his entire self to the classroom, and his students grow not only through his instruction, but also through the sincere interest he takes in supporting each student as an individual.”
“John Muragu brings great energy, creativity and insight to his role as a teacher on the Washington campus,” said Washington High School Principal Bob Moran. “John is an advocate for students, he builds relationships with families, and we are a better school because of John's leadership.”
Each FUSD school nominated an educator for Teacher of the Year consideration. After a committee scored each nomination on a rubric that measures instructional excellence, contributions to the District, and teacher leadership, the highest-scoring nominees were selected as finalists and participated in an interview process.
In addition to Muragu, the 2024 finalists were: Karli Valdez from Brier Elementary School, Renee Smith from Glenmoor Elementary School, Melissa Sides from Patterson Elementary School, Kathy Fields from Centerville Middle School, Kevin Salladay from Thornton Middle School, Belinda Musto from Robertson High School, and Adrianna Herrera from Fremont Adult & Continuing Education.
“As a Board Trustee and also as a parent, I want to thank all the wonderful teachers for all the work you have done, for all the hearts you have touched, and for all the lives you have transformed,” said FUSD Board President Yajing Zhang.
“As educators, I believe that there is no half-in and half-out for this business. You bring all of your heart and soul, all of your energy and compassion, into the work,” said Cammack.
A video from the March 27, 2024 Board of Education meeting at which finalists were honored and Muragu was announced as Teacher of the Year is available here (item starts at 6:22).
Muragu will represent FUSD in consideration for Teacher of the Year recognition in Alameda County, and then possibly at the state level.
