money Hook Junior High teacher Mona Saad named one of best in region
Hook Junior High School teacher Mona Saad was recognized as one of the best middle school teachers in the region during the 2023 California League of Educators Region 10 Educator of the Year Awards.
Saad, a multi-subject teacher at the Victorville-based Hook Junior High, was among 15 middle school teachers recognized at an awards dinner in downtown Riverside.
“It is an honor and pleasure to work with Mrs. Saad and see the impact she has not only on her students and their learning, but the positive impact she has with her colleagues,” Hook Principal Carlos Cerna said. “She is a champion for all Hook students inside and outside the classroom and embraces all opportunities to grow professionally.”
District officials said that Saad, who has been with the Victor Valley Union High School District since 2015, is known for the welcoming environment she creates for students.
“Every time I go into her classroom, it just feels so good, even going in there as an adult,” VVUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Ratmony Yee said as she introduced Saad at the ceremony. “Her classroom is a place where students feel loved and cared for. For her to choose our district and serve our students has been amazing.”
In her pre-recorded speech at the event, Saad spoke of her experience of arriving in the U.S. many years ago from Egypt, “not speaking a word of English,” and struggling in school.
“Now students may finally have the opportunities I didn’t have,” Saad said. “I teach with love, understanding, and respect. Through all this, I learn from my students as well. I see their struggles and try to help them as much as possible. The relationship we establish in the classroom empowers them and impacts their lives in and out of the classroom.”
Saad was the only honoree from the High Desert and one of three from San Bernardino County recognized by CLE Region 10, including Inyo, Mono, and Riverside counties.
“This is a great honor for Mrs. Saad as well as Hook and our entire district,” VVUHSD Superintendent Carl Coles said. “There is nothing more important in education than the connection between teacher and student. Mrs. Saad exemplifies how powerful and impactful that connection can be.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hook Junior High teacher Mona Saad named one of the best teachers
