The Ed Fund recognizes and honors the excellence of five West Contra Costa Unified School District teachers
and 15 scholarship winners at its 30th Annual Soaring to Excellence Celebration on May 11th. In addition, the
Ed Fund highlights the work of its collaborative partners by giving its 2018 Collaborative Partner of the Year
Award to Bay Area Community Resources; who demonstrates a high level of community engagement. Student
performances by the Pinole Valley High School’s Band are also featured during the time of celebration.
2018 TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
T h e E d F u n d • 2 1 7 C W . R i c h m o n d A v e • R i c h m o n d , C A 9 4 8 0 1 The five 2018 Teaching Excellence Award winners who are being honored at the Soaring to Excellence
Celebration share a strong passion for instilling a love of learning within their students. By cautiously and thoughtfully
incorporating creativity, adherence to high standards, profound knowledge of the subjects being taught, and
consideration of individual differences, needs and strengths, these award winning teachers have raised the quality
of education and have set a positive example as role models. Furthermore each teacher’s tireless dedication enables
students to recognize their passions and assists them in reaching their goals.
Joanne Chen,
6th Grade Teacher, Mira Vista K-8
As an educator, Ms. Chen works to address all learning modalities by being mindful
of students learning abilities. She accomplishes this by creating innovative and
engaging lessons, which encompasses multiple interwoven components. Ms. Chen
sets high expectations for her students and works tirelessly to ensure each and every
student achieves them. Most importantly, she demonstrates the critical role of parent
teacher engagement. She does this by keeping an open line of communication, and
consistently updates parents on their child’s achievements.
Erik Radkiewicz, High School Band Teacher, Pinole Valley High School
Band teacher, Mr. Radkiewicz works to create a culture of success, where every
student matters and is called upon to take responsibility for more than just themselves.
He teaches them to respect themselves and their craft, and to lead even
if there is no leader. Authentic learning standards take place as the band pushes
itself to the highest standards of performance, as resiliency and a growing mindset
is encouraged. Often times Mr. Radkiewicz creates long lasting relationships with
students, sometimes lasting up to nine years!
36 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM JUNE 2018