(COMPTON, CA) The Compton Unified School District today announced that Ruth Reyes, fifth grade teacher at Tibby Elementary, as the District’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Reyes was presented with a trophy today at a celebration held at Tibby that was attended by students, staff, the President, Vice President and Members of the Board Board of Trustees, and Superintendent Darin Brawley. She was selected out of thirty nominated teachers from across the District, for her dedication as a mentor-teacher to other educators and for fostering a safe and welcoming environment where all students learn by discovery, learn life skills, and are courageous learners willing to explore and make mistakes. Also called out by the nominating committee was Reyes’ role as co-coach of Tibby’s award-winning robotics team, and her creative pivoting during the pandemic.

“It is always an honor to recognize and celebrate our teacher of the year, but this year is particularly special in that Ms. Reyes has risen to the challenge of engaging her students through the twists and turns of school closures, re-openings and shifting models,” said President Micah Ali. “To achieve such high regard from colleagues, administrators, parents and students alike at a time such as this is truly remarkable.” .

During school closures, Reyes was known as one to never sit down. She was up at her smart board, with her projector attached, teaching with enthusiasm all the while scrolling through the banner of students in Zoom windows to ensure student engagement. .

“Ms. Reyes is emblematic of an educator whose every effort centers students. She is rooted in a foundation of educational excellence and represents the hallmark of a great teacher. We are proud of her accomplishments and fortunate to have her as part of our team teachers within our District,” said Superintendent Darin Brawley. “And, as this past year has shown, such dedication makes all the difference in the live of students at times when they need their teachers the most.” .

Reyes has twenty-six years of teaching experience in the United States and abroad. She holds a bachelor degree in Elementary Education from Bulacan State University in the Philippines. She completed her state requirements to teach in California from University of California Los Angeles and obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching from National University. .

Ruth decided to come to the United States to explore and empower herself. She always believes that being a teacher is a continuous learning process in order to serve her students better. This is evident in her quest to co-coach Tibby’s robotics team. The school won first place in the Innovation project in their first year in 2019. She has been active ever since, promoting First Lego League’s Core Values. .

In addition, Reyes participates actively in the District’s educational services projects for curriculum and instruction, working to ensure alignment between state standards and district adopted platforms. In 2018, she was accepted into the District’s Teacher Induction Program (TIPS) as a mentor teacher. In the classroom, Reyes enjoys creating teaching tools that will make her teaching more effective and enjoyable for her students. .

Congratulations to Ruth Reyes!