Lodi Unified honors top teachers

Apr. 18—Three instructors each received a roaring round of applause Tuesday night when they were named the Lodi Unified School District's 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year.

One of those teachers — Lodi Middle School's Julie Carniglia — received an extra round during the district's Board of Education meeting when it was announced she was also a finalist for the San Joaquin County Office of Education's Teacher of the Year.

Principal Cassandra Iwamiya said that Carniglia has led a career in special education defined by "passion, dedication and unwavering commitment" to serving some of the district's most exceptional students.

"For more than 31 years, (Carniglia) has guided countless students along the path of discovery, growth and empowerment," she said. "She embodies the true essence of inclusivity, tirelessly advocating for the needs of students with diverse abilities, and ensuring that every child has an opportunity to thrive."

Iwayima added that Carniglia's classroom has been more than a place where students develop an education over the years.

It's also been a "coffee cafe" where her students learn job skills; a recycling center where bottles and cans are deposited to raise funds to build water wells in Africa; and a hard-of-hearing hub where students and staff have been able to learn American Sign Language, she said.

Carniglia was not chosen as the county's teacher of the year for 2024, but on Tuesday, she said she was privileged to be recognized among the many talented and dedicated educators throughout the district, stating their own passion and commitment to students inspire her on a daily basis.

"My students are part of my work," she said. "They are the reason I come to work every day. They encourage me and fuel my enthusiasm for teaching students with exceptional needs. I want them to always remember they they are an integral part of any community they are in. Whether it's a school community, or a sports community, they matter."

Board member Courtney Porter said he and Carniglia have known each other for 20 years, and in that time, she would always talk about how much her students meant to her. He noted that when Carniglia was tasked with leading the hard-of-hearing hub at the school, she dove in with both feet.

"That just shows to me the character of you and your family, and 'we're going to get this job done,'" he said. "In 30 years (the district is) so lucky to have you as a teacher and I can think of nothing more deserving than this award. You are a rock star."

McNair High School teacher and English department chair Shannon Hagan was honored Tuesday night as well.

Principal Nicole Vertar said that in Hagan's more than 10 years at the high school, she has undertaken a variety of duties, including working with English-learning students, or leading the effort to plan student success activities on a weekly basis.

She said Hagan is always willing to volunteer her time to help with any project on campus.

"Anytime you need something done you say 'would you be willing to help with this,' and the answer is 'sure, I'd love to, when do we start,'" Vertar said. "Whenever someone is willing to step up and do whatever needs to be done, whenever it needs to be done, she is there. She's a mentor to her teachers, and she's respected by her peers."

Hagan said when she first learned she was nominated for High School Teacher of the Year, and when she received a call from district staff, she questioned if anyone else had applied for the award.

"It's not because I don't value the award, but because I'm surrounded by the most amazing teachers every day," she said. "It just blew my mind to think I was chosen because I'm constantly in awe of the people that I work with. And everything I do is completely dependent on them supporting me."

Sutherland Elementary School teacher Andrea Ames was also honored for her work with the campus' educational support services.

Principal Beth Horton said Ames joined Sutherland two years ago, and from one of their first meetings, there were fireworks. Horton said she could tell she and Ames were on the same page when it came to wanting students to succeed.

"She jumped in with both feet on campus," she said. "It's a delicate role. She's a teacher, but she's also a leader. She's been able to come into the classroom, share knowledge, and most importantly, affect the lives of kids on our campus," she said. "She's been an integral part of helping us learn about the professional learning community, and trying to bring that to our staff."

Ames thanked the entire Sutherland campus for the honor, and said she was humbled and honored.

"This special moment makes me think of all the people on this journey with me," she said. "Truly, this award is made possible because of the mentorship, collaboration, professional development and inspiration from others."