Seven San Diego charter school leaders have been named 2021 Charter Stars for going above and beyond to champion the mission and vision of charter public schools preparing kids to succeed in college, career, and the real world.
The seven leaders were honored during the 2021 Charter Stars Awards ceremony hosted by CCSA and the North County Education Foundation which took place last week at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego.
Every year, charter school leaders in the San Diego are nominated to receive the award and a panel of judges from the California Charter Schools Advocacy Council selects the winners.
This year there were seven Charter Stars categories: Emerging Leader, Outstanding Innovator, Outstanding Volunteer, Community Impact, Outstanding Teacher, Legacy and Outstanding Philanthropist.
CCSA and NCEF would like to congratulate each 2021 Charter Stars winner for leading the way to help ensure families have access to educational options.
Emerging Leader
ANDREAS TRAKAS, Principal
Albert Einstein Academies Charter Middle School
Why Andreas Trakas is a Charter Star: "Principal Trakas’ approach to conflict resolution has greatly reduced angst as well as acts of aggression that were prevalent before he came on board. He has actively worked towards inculcating a positive and safe environment at the school. He has built upon the general concept of a global community by introducing sports teams (basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse), a music program, and student exchange programs with Spain, Germany, China and is harnessing that talent."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Outstanding Innovator
TED KIM, Teacher
The Preuss School UC San Diego
Why Ted Kim is a Charter Star: "Mr. Kim’s thoughtful, well-prepared lessons reflect a deep desire to truly engage students and promote an integrated science curriculum that best prepares students for the rigor of high school and college academia … Ted chairs the school’s Technology Committee and consequently, facilitates the professional development of our staff to streamline existing practices and improve our technology access and use in the classroom. This is where he really excels and shines … There is not a single dimension of the school campus that Ted does not have his hands in."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Outstanding Volunteer
CHRISTINE NGUYEN, Parent
JCS Mountain Oaks Phoenix Learning Center
Why Christine Nguyen is a Charter Star: "Christine is an AMAZING parent, teacher, leader and liaison for every Phoenix Learning Center (PLC) family. She can always be counted on to volunteer in all three of her children’s classes. She is always planning STEAM projects for the entire school, she planned and coordinated every afterschool program for all grade levels this year, she has introduced music to the children and she sets up book clubs during holiday breaks … Christine welcomes us daily with the biggest hugs and warmest smiles. She is always telling us how much we need to fight for our charter schools and she reaches out to parents to remind them to get involved and make their voices heard."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Community Impact
DEMI BROWN, Executive Director
Why Demi Brown is a Charter Star: "Demi Brown’s inspiring commitment to her school’s community is not contained to her students, parents and charter school staff and Board of Directors that she serves but extends to every corner of the neighborhood. Her commitment to the community transcends any job duty or career advancement, as she continues to selflessly demonstrate servant leadership that continues to have a positive impact on the whole community, with experience, knowledge and a joyful personality that contributes to and cultivates a positive culture."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Outstanding Teacher
NICKY GEIS, Teacher
School for Entrepreneurship & Technology
Why Nicky Geis is a Charter Star: Nicky has phenomenal energy and constantly motivates students, teachers and parents alike. I love stepping into her room throughout the day to be re-energized and motivated to be the best possible version of myself … the theme of Mrs. Geris’ classes is self-improvement and being the best possible version of yourself. Students are challenged daily to spread positivity and love. Her students love her. Her students need her.
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Legacy Award
DEBBIE BEYER, Executive Director
Literacy First Charter Schools
Why Debbie Beyer is a Charter Star: "Debbie Beyer has been involved in education for over 40 years. Her educational legacy starts with the students she taught in a small one-room schoolhouse in a field in New Mexico and continues to Literacy First Charter School. She set forth with a dream to serve those who had no options for quality education in her community over 18 years ago. Today, a school that started with under 200 students, a small handful of dedicated teachers, and a dream, includes four campuses, over 1,700 students, and 200 employees, and it is one of the best performing schools in the state of California."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
Outstanding Philanthropist
GIRARD FOUNDATION, Philanthropic Organization
Why the Girard Foundation is a Charter Star: "The Girard Foundation has helped many local charter schools advance career skills training, as well as grow quality schools in greater San Diego region. Its mission is to foster innovation and systemic change in K-12 education with the goal of improvement student outcomes in San Diego County. Girard Foundation 2018 Grants include awards to the Barrio Logan College Institute, CCSA, EJE Academies, Elementary Institute of Science, KIPP San Diego, Oceanside High School, and Thrive Public Schools."
WATCH this 2021 Charter Star in action:
If you would like to watch the 2021 Charter Stars "Watch Party" video in its entirety, click this link!
This blog story was written by Ana Tintocalis, CCSA's Director of Media Relations and Research. She is a frequent contributor to the CharterNation Blog. Got a good charter school story? Contact her at atintocalis@ccsa.org.
