Loredana Wicketts

In 2009, I was named a California Teacher of the Year. Nominators said, “she identifies with all students and the challenges they face…the warmth and caring she gives her students is unsurpassed…she is diligent and does whatever it takes for her students to reach their highest potential.”

Even though this honor was awarded to me over ten years ago, I continue to be committed to the total development of students and families in my community. This total development includes intellectual and moral development.

My goal is to instill confidence in every student, provide each child the opportunity to shine, instill a growth mindset in all learners, and cultivate relationships that last a lifetime.

As an educator, I believe that these relationships grow when we listen to students’ stories and provide them learning opportunities through their interests. These interests are often centered on current events or their social media platforms. As a result, it is imperative that educators commit to creating informed citizens and lifelong newsreaders who critically analyze the news in this advancing digital world.

In my classroom, I facilitate non-biased discussion that encourages students to think beyond basic comprehension while raising awareness about the world around them. For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of advising our school’s National Elementary Honor Society. Through this program students provide meaningful service to our school and community while learning important leadership skills.

Over the years, our students have raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society, participated annually in our local RELAY FOR LIFE, organized community beautification events, and provided countless hours of service to people in need. We work closely with local shelters and food kitchens to help those less fortunate but have been part of various relief efforts globally.

My goal is to help students become global citizens that view service as a means to improving society as a whole. Through this program, I have witnessed students acquire life skills and become lifelong contributors to the world around them.