2020, 2021, and 2022 Teacher of the Year
2022 Teacher of the Year
Christy Taylor from Cabrillo Elementary Named Teacher of the Year - Selected from an outstanding group of nominees representing FUSD schools.
Taylor was selected from an outstanding group of nominees representing FUSD schools.
“I want to thank all the people who have been part of investing in me, and I thank every student who has allowed me to invest in you,” said Taylor in a speech after she was named Teacher of the Year.
The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) is proud to name Cabrillo Elementary’s Christy Taylor as its 2022 Teacher of the Year. The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting. Taylor was selected from an outstanding group of nominees representing FUSD schools.
“I want to thank all the people who have been part of investing in me, and I thank every student who has allowed me to invest in you,” said Taylor in a speech after she was named Teacher of the Year.
“Over the last two years we’ve realized more than ever the profound impact that teachers have on their students, not just academically, but supporting their social-emotional growth and providing safe and supportive environments for students to grow and thrive,” said Board President Dianne Jones. “Our educators have risen to every unimaginable challenge that the last two years have given us.”
Each FUSD school can nominate one teacher for Teacher of the Year consideration, and from the nominations finalists are selected for a further selection process. In addition to Taylor, the 2022 finalists included Mohamed Algarmi from Centerville Junior High School, Audrey Suratos from Robertson High School, Jovana Manjabosco from Blacow Elementary, Erin Castillo from Kennedy High School, and Erica Maciel from Patterson Elementary. We applaud our finalists, and thank our Teacher of the Year committee members for their time and dedication to honoring our outstanding educators.
“Teaching, more than any other profession that I’ve ever seen, when done properly, requires an indescribable amount of personal and professional giving,” said Superintendent CJ Cammack. “Giving time, energy, passion and countless emotions. That give is the process of sharing your passion, your professionalism and your dedication.”
2021 Teacher of the Year
In a beyond challenging school year, FUSD recognizes ALL its teachers as 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Video recognizing all teachers
2020 Teacher of the Year
Kennedy High School’s Bray Roman Named FUSD Teacher of the Year
The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) is proud to name Kennedy High School’s Bray Roman as its 2020 ‘Teacher of the Year.’ The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting April 22nd. Roman was selected from a group of nominees representing all 42 FUSD schools.
“To receive such a high distinction among my colleagues is humbling, and leaves me reflecting on the teachers of FUSD who have sacrificed and worked relentlessly for their classes,” Roman said. “These teachers are not there for accolades, but rather for the greatness that lies within each of their students.”
“Bray Roman has a profound effect on our students. He builds confidence in the students who need it most, and goes even further in building community and trust among them and among each other,” added Kennedy High School Principal Edward Velez. “He teaches resilience, trust, accountability, and self-advocacy. The thing about Bray that makes him special is that he chooses to teach intervention for students in need all day, and in a structured and supportive setting. Bray is a hero. He is a gift to this school and our entire community.”
Roman is a FUSD alum attending Millard Elementary, Horner Junior High, and Kennedy High School. After graduating, he attended Ohlone College and transferred to Chico State, majoring in Physical Education-Teacher Education with a minor in Health Science. Upon his graduation from Chico State, Roman became the first college graduate on both sides of his family. He furthered his education at the University of San Francisco, receiving a Master’s Degree in teaching. Now in his 16th year of teaching, Roman has spent the last four years at his alma mater in the classroom and coaching football - carrying on the legacy of his coach and mentor, Coach Pete Michaletos, who spent 46 years at Kennedy.
“Coach Mike has always been a guiding light in my family's life, and I feel great honor knowing that I can share in his experience as a professional educator,” Roman explained.
For the Teacher of the Year Award, each FUSD school nominates one teacher for consideration. In addition to Roman, finalists included Catherine Diaz-Centeno from Cabrillo Elementary, Brittany Martino-Weinhardt from Robertson High School, Erica Metz from Glankler Early Learning Center, Rochelle Oral from Fremont Adult and Continuing Education, Zahra Pelayo from Warwick Elementary, Matt Shaffer from Horner Junior High School and Keri Smith from Brier Elementary. Roman will represent FUSD at the Alameda County 2020 ‘Teacher of the Year’ Celebration in October.
