Congratulations to Michel Masuda-Nash, Dublin’s First Year Teacher Award recipient who is California Association for Employment in Education’s (CAEE) Outstanding First-Year Teacher award recipient for 2009. “This is a huge honor for (Mrs. Masuda-Nash) and Dublin. The competition is amongst 47 school districts throughout the state,” notes Murray Elementary principal Rick Boster.

Criteria for the CAEE award includes: special accomplishments, unique and creative contributions, highlights of instructional skills, interaction with students, parents and peers, and innovative programs and projects which distinguished the nominee from other first-year teachers.

Mr. Boster nominated Ms. Masuda-Nash for the CAEE award and described her as a “naturally gifted teacher who always carries herself with professionalism and poise. Her demeanor is soft-spoken, compassionate, gentle, and reassuring yet firm. She sets high expectations for her students and supports them as they rise to the occasion.”

Ms. Masuda-Nash has a BA and MA degree in social work and devoted over 20 years collaborating with families and communities improving programs, and raising funds. She decided to change her career focus and entered the teacher education program at St. Mary’s College in 2006. She did her student teaching in San Ramon and in Dublin at Murray Elementary School.

The Dublin City Council will honor Ms. Masuda-Nash on Tuesday night with a certificate of recognition.