State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that Megan Gross, a 2017 California Teacher of the Year from San Diego County, was selected as one of four finalists nationwide for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year award.

Gross has been a special education teacher for nine years, the last three teaching an autism spectrum disorder special day class at Del Norte High School in Poway Unified. She leads a team of instructional assistants who collaborate to design and support unique learning opportunities and experiences.

“Megan is a terrific educator who is deeply dedicated to creating a safe and productive learning environment for her students. She has worked diligently to end the social and physical isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Torlakson said. “I am proud to have her represent California. She is an exemplary example of how innovative teachers can enrich the students’ lives.”

In October, Gross was named one of five California Teachers of the Year and selected as a finalist by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the United States.

Source: CA Finalist for National Teacher of the Year – Year 2017 (CA Dept of Education)