San Leandro, CA—At last night's Alameda County Teacher of the Year award ceremony, hosted by the Alameda County Office of Education, Arcy Devera of John Muir Middle School was selected from a group of 19 exemplary educators to represent Alameda County as a candidate for California Teacher of the Year.
As a 6th-grade science and leadership teacher, Ms. Devera has been vital to the John Muir community for over a decade, contributing her expertise across multiple subjects and extracurricular activities. She credits her passion and dedication as a teacher to her family's challenging journey of immigrating to the United States. "I witnessed and lived through the struggles my family endured so that I could receive the best education possible here in the U.S. Now, my role is to provide that same pathway for all my students and their families to reach their highest potential," she shared. Ms. Devera also expressed gratitude for the support she receives from her colleagues and the district. "You have invested in me, and I feel loved and truly valued."
"Arcy Devera embodies the spirit of an educator who teaches with passion and joy," said Dr. Mike McLaughlin, SLUSD Superintendent. "Her leadership in building a culture of belonging is one of the cornerstones of John Muir's strengths, which is crucial in navigating the unique challenges of middle school. We are immensely proud to have her represent SLUSD at the state level."
Ms. Devera's influence extends beyond the classroom, serving as a mentor, club advisor, and advocate for their well-being. Whether offering a welcoming space during lunch or attending students' after-school activities, her commitment to enhancing the school environment has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration and unity among students and staff. Ms. Devera is a powerful example of educators' transformative role in shaping the future, and we are excited to see her impact recognized at the state level.
