“Teachers of Excellence” Honored by Rotary Club of Pasadena

(L-R) Kristina Andrews, Amanda Leja, Melanie Gray, Stephanie Elliot, and Robyn Wehrly (Photo – PUSD)

Five Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) teachers are recipients of the 2024 Teachers of Excellence Award presented annually by the Rotary Club of Pasadena.

By News Desk

The 2024 Teachers of Excellence were honored at a luncheon on May 15, 2024:

• Kristina Andrews, Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School
• Stephanie Elliot, Alexander Hamilton Elementary School
• Melanie Gray, Willard Elementary School
• Amanda Leja, Sierra Madre Middle School
• Robyn Wehrly, Octavia E. Butler Magnet Dual Language STEAM Middle School

“Every day, these outstanding educators exemplify excellence,” said PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D. “Through their work and dedication, they are helping transform education so that our students have opportunities to succeed. Congratulations to the Teachers of Excellence.”

The Teachers of Excellence is a collaborative program of the Rotary Club of Pasadena and PUSD. The Rotary Club invites all schools to nominate teachers. The selection process includes entries from each principal and teacher, classroom observations, and evaluations of the top ten finalists by committee members. The five teachers are awarded $1500, and $500 is presented to each recipient’s school.

The Teachers of Excellence demonstrates the Pasadena Rotary’s commitment to public schools and to exceptional teachers who deserve special recognition.

The 2024 honorees are:

Kristina Andrews (Photo – PUSD)

Kristina Andrews (Don Benito Fundamental)

Ms. Andrews is a first-generation college graduate and began her career as a teacher’s assistant after being inspired by her own teachers. Kristina is driven by a deep desire to uplift her students and has been doing so for the past 21 years. After completing her student teaching at Don Benito Elementary, she joined their second-grade team and has cherished every moment with the hundreds of children she has taught over the years. She continuously learns from her students and is inspired by all students on campus. She is a graduate of the University of La Verne.

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Amanda Leja (Photo – PUSD)

Amanda Leja (Sierra Madre Middle School)

Ms. Leja’s teaching career began 15 years ago and she has worked across the United States in six different school districts. After working for several years in general education, special education became her passion. At Sierra Madre Middle School, she earned a leadership role on the special education team and helped to develop a full inclusion program. She is determined to help every student find their full potential.

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Melanie Gray (Photo – PUSD)

Melanie Gray (Willard Elementary School)

A 5th-grade teacher with more than 20 years of experience, Melanie is deeply committed to the International Baccalaureate program, anti-racism, and enhancing literacy, math, history, and science instruction. She earned her teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Gray has secured grants for resources that support culturally responsive education, and she enjoys fostering a positive learning environment, emphasizing collaboration and high student achievement.

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Stephanie Elliott (Photo – PUSD)

Stephanie Elliott (Alexander Hamilton Elementary)

Ms. Eliott is a special education teacher with over 13 years of experience working with children from pre-kindergarten through middle school. Honored with the Inspiring Teacher Award in 2015, she secured grants for classroom resources and mentored future educators. Before becoming a K-5 resource specialist teacher, Ms. Elliott earned a Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a multiple subject teaching credential from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, a master’s degree in special education, and an education specialist credential from the University of San Francisco.

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Robyn Wehrly (Photo – PUSD)

Robyn Wehrly (Octavia E. Butler Magnet Dual Language STEAM Middle School)

Ms. Wehrly loved learning at a very young age and was the first person in her family to attend college. She graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in psychology and English. After working in residential care, she went on to obtain her master’s degree in special education from George Washington University. For the past five years, she has inspired the joy of learning while teaching math and science at Octavia E. Butler Magnet.