California Teacher of the Year Jason Torres-Rangel has been nominated for the National Teacher of the Year award. Torres-Rangel, who teaches Advanced Placement English at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, was informed of his selection as a State Teacher of the Year by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond on October 13, 2022. This recognition came after Torres-Rangel was nominated by one of his students and won the LA Unified and LA County Board of Education Teacher of the Year award.
Torres-Rangel has been teaching for almost two decades and comes from a family of educators. His parents were math teachers for approximately 30 years, and his brother was a math teacher in the Midwest. The teacher is passionate about social justice, and he has a teaching mantra that every piece of literature unlocks why we’re human.
When asked about his teaching philosophy, Jason Torres-Rangel said, “I want my students to see themselves as writers and thinkers who can communicate their ideas powerfully and confidently. My job is to give them the tools and space to develop those skills, but also to listen and learn from them about their experiences and perspectives. Education should be a partnership between teachers and students, and I strive to create a classroom environment where everyone’s voice is valued.”
Jason Torres-Rangel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College and a master’s in education from Harvard University. Currently, at Roosevelt, he is facilitating writing workshops for his colleagues in the English and Social Studies departments to better support students with their writing skills.
“I’m honored to represent California as a State Teacher of the Year,” Torres-Rangel said. “Teaching is more than a job to me; it’s a calling. I believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a more just and equitable society, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a difference in the lives of my students.”
The National Teacher of the Year award has been presented annually since 1952 by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to recognize outstanding teachers across the United States. The winner is selected from among the State Teachers of the Year and is typically announced in the spring. Torres-Rangel’s nomination is a testament to his commitment to his students and his dedication to making a positive impact on their lives.
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