Arcadia Unified Celebrates its 2018-19 Teacher of the Year

Dickson teaches fourth grade at Longley Way Elementary. – Courtesy photo / AUSD

The Arcadia Unified School District celebrated its 2018-19 Teacher of the Year, Janice Dickson, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) 2018-19 Teachers of the Year luncheon on Friday, Sept. 21.

Dickson, a fourth grade teacher at Longley Way Elementary School, has taught in the district for 14 years and meets students’ unique academic and social needs by using innovative teaching strategies to partner with students to create a safe learning environment where risk-taking, collaboration, and teamwork are promoted. Wearing many hats in addition to that of educator, and in support of her students, colleagues, and the district’s values, Dickson most notably serves as a Site Tech Coach, helping peers with integrating technology in the classroom, and serves as the Arcadia Teachers Association Grievance Chair. In addition, Dickson was a member of the writing committee that earned Longley Way Elementary its designation as a 2018 California Distinguished School, an honor bestowed on less than five percent of public elementary schools in the state.

“Jan’s passion is for the highest good for all those around her–students, teachers, staff members, and parents,” shared Longley Way Elementary Principal Travis Long.

Through LACOE’s Teachers of the Year program, Dickson joins a group of 60 standout educators from across Los Angeles County whose commitment to championing student success is unparalleled. Filling a banquet hall in the Hilton Universal City and Towers for LACOE’s celebration, applause bounced off of the room’s walls amidst a sea of smiles as 16 Los Angeles County teachers and 44 Los Angeles County District teachers walked across the stage to receive their well-deserved certificates of recognition from LACOE.

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