MBUSD teacher Mabery competes in National Teacher of the Year competition

By Bergan O’Connell
Staff Writer

California Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlkason annouced on Oct. 27 Manhattan Beach Middle School science teacher Maggie Mabery as the California Teacher of the Year.

Before winning the California Teacher of the Year, Mabery won MBMS Teacher of the Year in May and Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year in August. Mabery is now the sole teacher to represent California in the national competition for the 2013-14 Teacher of the Year.

“After the initial shock, I was proud and excited to be chosen,” Mabery said. “This award isn’t just an individual award. I work with an amazing team of teachers, administrators and students here at MBMS. Without the help of these people, I would not be where I am today.”

A National Teacher of the Year is a state-accredited teacher that is particularly knowledgeable, commited, and skilled in its field.

At MBMS, Mabery has incorporated technology into the classroom, specifically iPads, which her students use for organization, note-taking and research.

“I believe what set me apart was my heavy use of technology,” Mabery said. “In science at MBMS, we are constantly trying new labs, taking risks and using technology to reach students on various levels of learning.”

Mabery will now be competing against 51 other teachers from schools across the United States. A national selection committee will award four of these teachers with National Teacher of the Year in February.

“Mabery is one of the few teachers who takes advantage of the many opportunities that are available,” MBMS Principal John Jackson said. “She has always been a great teacher, but even the best can be pushed to be better. She is always willing to come back to MBMS and share her unique experiences from events like these.”