Middle School Educator of the Year
Jessica Matoian
History teacher at Sequoia Middle School
Hired in 2020 , Sequoia Middle School is Jessica Matoian ’ s first teaching job . Although she is a new teacher , she has embraced leadership roles and is the lead teacher for eighth-grade history . She is the adviser for Exploring Futures Club , chairperson of the School Site Council and the cheer coach . In 2021 , with students just getting back into activities after COVID restrictions , she decided not to cut any student who tried out for the cheer squad , although there were only 18 uniforms . The solution was to have the eighth graders wear the uniforms and the seventh graders wear cheer sweats and a cheer T-shirt . She started a clothing closet for students who did not have the money for clothes for the school dance and awards ceremony . Matoian initiated Caught being Amazing , a way for students to recognize their teachers . Students complete a certificate about something amazing they observe their teacher doing . Matoian is driven to be a better teacher and has surveyed former students to find out if they felt prepared for high school .
Carrying out the district ’ s vision : Where students , families and staff are valued and empowered to achieve their greatest potential : Matoian excels at making students feel valued by building connections in and outside of the classroom . She takes the time to talk with students before and after school and often joins students in lunchtime activities .
About Matoian : Matoian is the 12th out of 14 children . She grew up with a number of challenges , including her dad passing away in 2002 of Lou Gehrig ’ s disease when Matoian was 5 . Her family struggled financially , sometimes lacking water and electricity . She graduated from Buchanan High School , from Clovis Community College with associate degrees in history and philosophy and the Dean ’ s Medal of Distinction , and Fresno State with a bachelor ’ s degree in history and an additional certificate in Jewish studies . She is the only one in her family to graduate from college .
From Nancy Witherow , teacher on special assignment at Sequoia : “ I have been impressed with the knowledge , energy and spirit with which she approaches her profession and her drive for continuous improvement .”
In Her Own Words : “ I am constantly asking my students , ‘ How can I change my teaching to meet your style of learning ?’”
High School Educator of the Year
Kyra Orgill
IB Programme coordinator and history teacher at Fresno High School
Kyra Orgill has spent her 20-year career with Fresno Unified at Fresno High School . She coordinates the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme for International Baccalaureate ( IB ), Fresno High ’ s signature college prep program . She has expanded IB professional learning for teachers , including one-on-one workshops , and has increased the participation of 10th grade students in the IB Personal Project by
75 %. She created a Writing Center to assist students in writing essays , scholarship applications and IB writing projects .
Carrying out the district ’ s vision : Where students , families and staff are valued and empowered to achieve their greatest potential : She cares for students ’ wellbeing outside of academics . During the pandemic , she gathered a group of students and hosted a clean up as part of the City of Fresno ’ s Beautify Fresno initiative .
About Orgill : Orgill was born in Dos Palos but raised on Army bases all over the United States and in Europe as her father was an Army officer . She graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Classical Studies . She also received a Master of Arts in History . She loves to read , averaging seven books a month . Her current recommendation is “ Breaking Bread with the Dead ” by Alan Jacobs . She has two sons – both were full IB Diploma candidates at Fresno High . Her parents are retired Col . John Chambers and Alma Del Bosque- Chambers .
From Keisha Shabazz , career education coordinator at Fresno High : “ One thing about Kyra is that she has high expectations for her students and has learned to teach them in ways that they remember throughout their high school careers .”
In Her Own Words : “ Literacy is the human right we educators are responsible for .”
EIE award winners on stage
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 5