2010 Distinguished Service Award
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Congratulations to Carole LeCren,the California Association of Teachers of English 2010 Distinguished Service Award winner.In our profession, so much is required in order to be everything our students deserve. The demands are great; this is no career for the uncommitted. Teaching well takes diligence, knowledge, passion, energy, flexibility, and skill. Occasionally we meet someone at a conference, on a committee or in a college class, or, if we're especially fortunate, on our own staff, who exemplifies that ideal sense of professionalism that is so easily recognizable. These leaders are our models and our guides, the men and women for whom our respect is earned, and with whom we have the common goal of providing the best opportunities for student achievement. Each year CATE honors such a leader in the teaching of English/language arts with their highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award. This year's deserving honoree is Carole LeCren. |
A native San Diegan, Carole began her teaching career in 1985 at Standley Junior High School. After a short stint there, she moved on to Bell Junior High School, where she taught for the next ten years. In 1996, after earning a National Board Certification and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at San Diego State University, Carole moved to La Jolla High School, where she continues her teaching today. For San Diego Unified she has been department chair, WASC committee leader, department webmaster, curriculum writer, GATE teacher, site governance chair, and mentor teacher.
Those of us who have been active in CATE know that Carole is a powerhouse for the greater San Diego area. For Greater San Diego Council of Teachers of English she has served on the Board as member-at-large, vice president-programs and publicity, president, past-president, council representative to CATE, newsletter editor and webmaster. Of course, she has been a regular presenter/facilitator in the area for the GSDCTE, San Diego Area Writing Project, California Literature Project, and San Diego Unified School District. In 1995, when the NCTE convention was held in San Diego, she served as a convention committee member, organizing and hosting the convention. Whenever the CATE convention is in San Diego—or even Palm Springs, where she was convention chair in 2003—Carole is a tireless member of the convention team.
For CATE she is an essential contributor and leader. The program you are currently reading is designed and produced by Carole. The flyer sent around the state announcing this convention was also her work. You may have been checked in by her at registration. And you will see her throughout this weekend working behind the scenes and at general sessions, luncheons, and smaller functions. She is one of those educators who we wonder how she has time for any life outside the profession.
And yes, she is a phenomenal classroom teacher. Ask anyone who has had the opportunity to observe her in action.
The California Association of Teachers of English recognizes and honors the exemplary work of our colleague, friend, and mentor — Carole LeCren.