Earlier this week, Erica Chung, a Woodland Joint Unified School District teacher was named Yolo County’s Teacher of the Year.
Chung, who teaches English and piano at Woodland High School, was selected among excellent teachers throughout Yolo County as part of the California Teacher of the Year Program, according to a school district press release.
The program highlights educational innovation, student learning, and the rewards of teaching. The purpose is to honor the profession and to heighten interest in teaching as a career.
Chung, who graduated from Cedarville College in Ohio with a double major in English and music, said she was honored and surprised to be selected this year.
“The work of a teacher is not the work of one person, but the work of many,” Chung stated. “The people in my life– family, friends, colleagues, and students past and present–have all helped me grow and continue to grow as a teacher. Although those people may not physically be in my classroom, they have contributed to my life and what they do and have done becomes a part of who I am and my teaching.”
Chung added that she has always wanted to be a teacher.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My earliest memories are of me being upset because I couldn’t go to school on Saturday and also ‘playing school’ with my stuffed animals. However, being a child of Chinese immigrants, education was always important and revered and my family encouraged my love of school and learning. I had great teachers and professors who have also inspired me and encouraged me in this career path.”
Chung will be honored at the Yolo County Excellence in Education Awards event on Sept. 26.
She will also advance to the state level for consideration as the 2023 California Teacher of the Year by the California Department of Education.
Woodland High School Principal Peter Lambert recognized Chung for her many contributions to the school.
“Ms. Chung is an amazing teacher who demonstrates excellent performance and goes above and beyond for our students,” said Lambert. “She is definitely a great asset to our school and we’re all proud to congratulate her on her stellar achievement.”
Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin recognized Chung for her professionalism and dedication to the teaching profession.
“We would like to congratulate Ms. Chung on being named the Yolo County Teacher of the Year,” said Ortega-Lampkin. “We have so many talented and dedicated teachers at WJUSD and Ms. Chung exemplifies the highest qualities of the teaching profession. We proudly thank Ms.Chung for her dedication to serving Woodland students and families.”
“The things I like best about teaching are learning and creating my lessons and building relationships with my students,” added Chung. “My advice for first-time teachers or aspiring teachers is that teaching is a calling. It’s more than just imparting lessons about a subject. Many times it’s teaching ‘life’ and being there whether you feel like you’re making a difference or not.”
