SAN LUCAS — San Lucas Elementary School teacher Monique Ross was named to Curriculum Associates’ 2023 class of Extraordinary Educators, an annual program that celebrates and connects exemplar teachers in grades K-8 from around the country.
Chosen from hundreds of nominations, Ross is among 30 educators from 22 states selected for illustrating growth and achievement via formal assessments, demonstrating innovation and engagement practices for students, being evangelists for high expectations and student achievement and championing equity.
“I am honored that I was chosen as a Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator,” Ross said. “I hope that as an Extraordinary Educator, I can influence not only my students, but also my colleagues, to strive to overcome challenges and to make learning a lifelong endeavor.”
Ross has taught at San Lucas School in South Monterey County for several years as an intervention teacher, helping students with reading and math.
She and the other Extraordinary Educators were also recognized for exhibiting best-in-class use of i-Ready, i-Ready Classroom Mathematics and/or Ready instructional resources. The online program for reading and math helps teachers determine students’ needs, personalize their learning and monitor progress throughout the school year.
“I believe data is what gives teachers the necessary information to deliver appropriate instruction to each student,” Ross said about data-driven instruction. “Student data should be used regularly to inform the instructor what should be taught and in what order. I often show my students the results of their data so we can discuss what needs to be done to see continuous progress.”
With nearly 340 years of combined teaching experience, this year’s class of Extraordinary Educators includes classroom teachers, special education teachers and instructional specialists.
All the educators were ultimately selected by an advisory board featuring leaders from Curriculum Associates, previously inducted Extraordinary Educators, and a college student pursuing a degree in urban education.
“Teachers are true rockstars,” said Emily McCann, vice president of educator community at Curriculum Associates. “This year’s Extraordinary Educators are no exception — they were chosen from hundreds of nominations and represent the best of the best. We are happy to recognize and celebrate Monique for her amazing work in the classroom and look forward to providing her with ongoing professional learning and networking opportunities to help her continue to grow her craft.”
The Extraordinary Educators will have continued access to a network of peers from around the country to collaborate, connect and learn from throughout the year, as well as access to professional development opportunities from Curriculum Associates. They will also be invited to participate and present at the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other professional learning events.
This is the fourth year of the Extraordinary Educators program. This year’s class joins 110 additional educators from across the country in receiving this recognition.
“I am excited to be part of this program as it gets me closer to a dream on my bucket list to be a motivational speaker,” Ross said. “Networking with other educators, sharing my knowledge, and attending the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit are what I’m most looking forward to experiencing.”
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. Today, its programs are used in the majority of California schools.
