BHUSD Superintendent Michael Bregy, Beverly Vista Middle School English teacher Lauren Stuart and BVMS Principal Kevin Allen were on hand for the Sept. 20 ceremony to celebrate Stuart’s award. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Lauren Stuart, an English teacher at Beverly Vista Middle School, was recently named one of Los Angeles County’s Top 16 Teachers of the Year for 2019-20.

The honor came at an annual awards ceremony on Sept. 20, where Stuart received a $1,000 prize from the California Credit Union and a $100 gift card from Lakeshore Learning.

“It has truly been an honor to be recognized as an L.A. County Teacher of the Year. This experience has been a journey of self-reflection, and I feel even more motivated to bring the best instruction to our middle school students,” Stuart said. “I want to thank the amazing team of educators and administrators who have been supportive and inspiring throughout my years with BHUSD.”

Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy and Beverly Vista Middle School Principal Kevin Allen also attended the ceremony.

“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Stuart and the passion she has for educating each and every student in her classroom,” Bregy said. “Recognition is not what she looks for. However, this award is exceptionally well-earned. Mrs. Stuart goes above and beyond in so many capacities. We are honored to have her teaching in the Beverly Hills Unified School District.”

Applicants for Teacher of the Year had to submit an introductory letter, a professional biography and resume, six essay responses, letters of support and a current school schedule. The top 25 advanced to the semifinal round, in which they interviewed with a L.A. County of Education panel before the top 16 were selected at the awards ceremony.

The Teachers of the Year program is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious recognition program to focus public attention on excellence in teaching and exemplary professionalism in public education. The California Teachers of the Year program, which began in 1972, is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with Scholastic Inc.