Guy Sardo, teacher at Graves Middle School, was honored at the Los Angeles County’s Teacher of the Year event Friday, September 21, in Universal City.
L.A. County honors teachers for their, “exemplary dedication, compelling classroom practices, positive accomplishments and professional commitment.” They believe that the teachers recognized serve as standard-bearers for the teaching profession and their classroom colleagues.
“I feel very honored to be chosen as the Teacher of the Year,” Mr. Sardo said. “I look back at the Teachers of the Year who have come before me, and remember how much I respected them when I was a younger teacher. I only hope I can inspire the next generation as much.”
Mr. Sardo decided to go into teaching after suffering an injury that kept him from pursuing a professional baseball career. After his injury he began substitute teaching and realized how much he enjoyed being in the classroom. After encouragement from his wife, he pursued having a classroom of his own.
His first job teaching was at Graves Middle School 24 years ago, back in 1995. At the time GMS was still known as South Whittier Intermediate School. His biggest inspiration in his career as a teacher has been the relationships he’s able to establish with both his students and his colleagues. Inside the classroom he wants all his students to be sure to take away one thing.
“The one thing I hope my students take away from my class is that THEY have the power to change their future,” Mr. Sardo stated. “It is through THEIR determination and grit that will lead to their success.”
Looking forward, Guy Sardo hopes to continue to find ways to allow his students to become more successful as they make the leap into high school. In this next school year his department is focusing on the new social science framework and improving literacy through the social sciences.
Great work Mr. Sardo, congratulations!