Fullerton School District (FSD) is excited to announce that Elizabeth Ellison, an English teacher at Fisler School, has been named the ParentingOC 2024 Top Teacher. Ms. Ellison teaches 7th and 8th graders and was nominated for her innovation and dedication in the field of education. Ms. Ellison exemplifies the criteria for ParentingOC Top Teacher. She continually creates imaginative ways to impart knowledge in literature, writing, and language skills.

Ms. Ellison excels in numerous areas. One notable example is her ability to foster a positive classroom atmosphere that encourages active participation and prompts students to draw meaningful connections between the curriculum and the real world. She empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Ms. Ellison strives to instill a lasting appreciation for English language arts, which is evident in the annual Author’s Tea, where students share their literary works with parents and the community, celebrating their accomplishments as budding writers.

Passionate about community service and leadership development, Ms. Ellison worked with other teachers to bring the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) program to Fisler School. As an NJHS advisor, she guides students in giving back to their community, emphasizing the importance of their roles as leaders in society. Ms.Ellison’s influence goes beyond the classroom as she actively supports fellow educators. She has served on the Joint PAR (Peer Assistance Review) Committee for many years and helps teachers thrive within a supportive community. Ms. Ellison has also contributed by successfully writing grants to bring new innovation to Fisler School, serving on school committees, being a mentor teacher, Union representative, site lead teacher, and lead ELA curriculum advisor, among other roles.

ParentingOC has been recognizing Top Teachers and Employees for over 10 years. They seek to recognize educators, employees, and administrators who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty: Those who innovate, those who dare to make a change at their schools, and those who inspire students and other staff members to reach their full potential, and those who meet education challenges head-on.

In addition to Ms. Ellison, four additional FSD staff were recognized by ParentingOC for their achievements. The five FSD finalists participated in a virtual celebration on February 16, 2024, during which the top spots were announced. Katie Bezayiff, Sarah Spero, and Michelle Hwang were recognized for being finalists for Top Teacher. Additionally, Elvia Franco was selected as a finalist for Top Employee. These staff were selected from over 200 nominees from both private and public schools in Orange County.

“Fullerton School District is honored to have so many finalists in our district and pleased that others are able to hear about the wonderful effort of our amazing staff. These honors are a testament to the hard work and dedication our staff has to serve the students and families in our community. Congratulations to all the FSD finalists and to Elizabeth Ellison for being selected as the 2024 ParentingOC Top Teacher,” stated Dr. Bob Pletka, Superintendent of Fullerton School District.

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The Fullerton School District is located in northern Orange County, California, and serves over 11,600 students in grades TK – 8th. The Fullerton School District includes 21 schools, 15 elementary schools, two K-8th grade schools, three middle schools, and a distance learning and home school model. The mission of the Fullerton School District is to work collaboratively with the community to provide an innovative, high-quality educational program for all students in a safe learning environment. The District motto, “Great Schools – Successful Kids,” exemplifies the belief that all students will achieve academic excellence, acquire interpersonal skills, and develop technological expertise to contribute as productive citizens in a democratic society. For more information, call 714/447-7400 or visit http://www.fullertonsd.org.