

We are a child centered, forward thinking, learning community, educating each of our students in an individually appropriate manner within an environment of personal safety and mutual respect to become well-informed, productive, and socially responsible citizens.
CHRISTIE CARNAHAN
PUSD TEACHER of the YEAR! |

It is my honor and pleasure to announce that Christie Carnahan was selected last week as Pleasanton Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year. Maestra Carnahan dedicated her career to teaching to honor her grandmother - a native Spanish speaker who could not read or write English or Spanish. She took it upon herself to work toward breaking this cycle to make sure that all children, including English learners, have access to a high quality education.
Maestra Carnahan was the pioneer teacher and key figure in the development of Valley View’s highly successful dual immersion Spanish literacy program. She was a key member of the original planning team that began with only 18 students and one teacher, herself. She spearheaded the development of the program’s vision, goals and curriculum – “To develop young minds who are bilingual and biliterate with an appreciation for languages and other cultures.”
Maestra Carnahan is a true teacher leader who exemplifies a strong dedication to her craft as an educator, and to meeting the educational needs of all her students and our school. In addition, she teaches a variety of classes to aspiring new teachers at Cal State East Bay and has been a presenter at the California Association of Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference on several occasions. She was recognized recently by the PTA Council for the “Excellence in Education” award, an accolade well deserved and long overdue. Maestra Carnahan serves as a mentor teacher for PUSD’s Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program. As a certified SMARTBOARD trainer, she provides professional development workshops for Valley View and other teachers in PUSD in the use of SMARTBOARD technology.
Maestra Carnahan is a valuable asset to Valley View’s community of learners. We are very lucky to have her as a valued employee and educator “extraordinaire.” CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to Christie Carnahan – Pleasanton Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year!