High School Educator of the Year
Bitor Bravo Pena has taught at Sunnyside High School since 2020 , creating excitement in students to study agriculture with his innovative style and real-world class projects . He played a key role in bringing a Future Farmers of America ( FFA ) chapter back to Fresno Unified , with more than 280 students in ninth and 10th grades enrolled . Bravo Pena and colleagues formed Sunnyside ’ s first FFA livestock show team , with students raising market and breed poultry to compete in The Big Fresno Fair . Students earned $ 2,500 from sales . He also was integral in helping Sunnyside secure more than $ 46,000 in grants for Sunnyside ag programs and has helped his students raise $ 2,500 from selling plant propagations . Bravo Pena contributes to his community , helps with beautification projects on campus and is always willing to share his expertise .
From Sunnyside career education coordinator Emily Phelps : “ His willingness to help students try new things and his positive energy creates a safe space for our students and inspires them to explore and excel in a field they might not have access to otherwise .”
In his own words : “ I have the responsibility of teaching our students about agriculture in a now very urban-driven community . I want them to know where their food is coming from and the different careers in ag that don ’ t necessarily involve just picking grapes as some of their parents might think .”
Bitor Bravo Pena
Agriculture Teacher at Sunnyside High School
Department Leader of the Year
When climate and culture specialist Aida Flores visits a school , the staff feels her entire attention and support , although she is actually being pulled in many directions because she has responsibilities at six campuses . Flores is an extremely caring professional who helps schools improve discipline and social-emotional support for students , as well as boost the overall culture of campuses . For example , at Jackson Elementary School , she helped the staff create the Gator Den as a space to provide additional social emotional learning supports and to serve as an alternative recess option for all students . She also helped improve the attendance rewards program at Jackson , boosting schoolwide participation through various incentives and efforts that have a lasting impact on students . In all that she does , her love for students and her desire to create safe , nurturing schools motivates her work . Flores has been a climate and culture specialist in the Department of Prevention and Intervention since 2020 and with the district since 2005 .
From Jackson Elementary School teacher on special assignment Kristin Voss : “ Aida Flores is a precious gem in our district . She is so knowledgeable about her job and has been extremely helpful to us at Jackson .”
In her own words : “ My desire for all schools , staff and students to succeed is the driving force behind my work . I will make every endeavor to ensure that schools are a safe and caring place with high standards that nurture emotional , social and academic growth .”
aida flores
Climate and Culture Specialist in the Department of Prevention and Intervention
Administrator of the Year
When Debbie Durán became principal at Roeding Elementary School in 2017 , her priority was to make sure students felt loved and safe , knowing learning often can ’ t happen until then . She continues to seek to remove the roadblocks to learning , whether it means new clothes for a student , a home visit , or making sure they eat breakfast . She takes the time to make personal connections with students and to get to know families . Former Roeding vice principal Lisa McDannel ( now principal at Turner Elementary School ) said Durán has worked with many challenging student situations and “ pours love into these students as if they were her own .” She makes warm connections with her staff and shows her appreciation for their hard work while holding them to high standards . Durán values different viewpoints among her staff and makes sure everyone is heard . She leads from alongside her staff , providing them with ownership of the school through an instructional lead team and a climate and culture team .
Durán and her husband of 34 years have three sons who have all attended Fresno Unified schools . Two of her sons are currently attending college .
From Summer Butler-Kearney , former officer manager at Roeding who is now office manager at Design Science Middle College High School : “ Her goal is to ensure any obstruction to learning is minimized so that every student can come to school and be in a safe and loving environment .”
In her own words : “ Leading with my heart has been the No . 1 thing that ’ s allowed me to achieve my goals .”
Debbie Durán
Principal at Roeding Elementary School
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