Video of Congressman Sherman in Action
White House Names Local Burbank Teacher as the 2012 Teacher of the Year
Washington DC - Today, Congressman Brad Sherman called to congratulate Rebecca Mieliwocki, a local Burbank teacher who was named 2012’s Teacher of the Year. The Council of Chief State School Officers announced that Rebecca Mieliwocki, a 7th grade English teacher in California is the 62nd National Teacher of the Year. Mieliwocki, along with all 2012 State Teachers of the Year will be recognized by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House, on Tuesday, April 24.
“I am thrilled that the 2012 Teacher of the Year is right here in Burbank,” said Congressman Sherman. “Rebecca Mieliwocki is an inspiration to us all. I had an opportunity to congratulate Rebecca today and look forward to congratulating her in person in my office tomorrow. When I spoke to her, her enthusiasm for teaching was infectious. I commend not only Ms. Mieliwocki, but all other teachers across our country who have dedicated themselves to one of the most noble and important jobs in our society. I look forward to joining everyone in celebrating this outstanding award at Luther Burbank Middle School on April 30th."
Rebecca Lynn Mieliwocki is a seventh grade English teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School, which houses 1100 students. She has been teaching for 14 years and has spent 9 years in her current position. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from California Polytechnic State University. She received the PTA Honorary Service Award in 2009 and served as a teacher expert for CSUN College of Education Panel titled "Managing the Paper Load." A child of two veteran public school teachers, Rebecca shied away from becoming a teacher early in life, but realized that there is "no nobler profession" than teaching. Her own K-12 teachers serve as her heroes and she models her teaching style on the example they set for her. She works hard to provide her students with an exciting and dynamic lesson that is both educational and amusing-because her students learn better in this environment. She believes strongly in the importance of good teacher preparation programs and values the teaching profession as a sought-after career.
"Rebecca is the kind of teacher that students look back on and say “She changed my life,” said Luther Burbank Middle School Pricipal Brian O'Rourke. "Rebecca teaches because it is a calling for her and her passion for students is an integral part of who she is."
"Students learn best when they have the most enthusiastic, engaged teachers possible," says Mieliwocki. “I firmly believe that teachers must be held accountable for their students’ success, from helping them meet personal or school-wide learning goals to achieving on district and state level assessments. Our students are our future, so we, their teachers, must do our best to inspire them and guide them to greatness."
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