First published in the Oct. 1 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
Crescenta Valley High School instrumental music director Mathew Schick has been selected as one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.
The L.A. County Office of Education announced the 16 winners of the 41st annual competition at a banquet held Friday, Sept. 23, at the Universal City Hilton. They emerged from 66 nominees representing 62 school districts in L.A. County. Those winners will compete alongside other county winners in the state-level contest later this fall.
Each winner will receive $1,000 cash from California Credit Union.
Schick has been with the Glendale Unified School District for nearly 30 years. He has held his role at CVHS, where he manages five different instrumental bands who perform at highly competitive levels, since 2001. He has previously taught instrumental music at Glendale High School and Wilson Middle School.
“Mr. Schick truly cares about every student,” said CVHS Principal Christine Benitez in a statement. “He uses essential teaching strategies to bring a sense of joy to every lesson and ensure his students learn. Mr. Schick’s level of dedication to his students and families is outstanding.”
Over the years, Schick has helped hundreds of students develop their passion and talent for instrumental music, according to the district. Many of his students have testified that his class was the driving force that kept them engaged in school during distance learning.
“What makes Mr. Schick incredibly special is his genuine passion for music education and his pride when his students succeed,” said Nayiri Nahabedian, president of the GUSD Board of Education. “He is so deserving of praise and recognition for his dedicated service to our students.”
“Mr. Schick is an amazing educator, leader and role model on his campus and in our district. He works tirelessly to keep students engaged and excited about learning,” said GUSD Superintendent Vivian Ekchian. “We are thrilled to celebrate this wonderful recognition with our Crescenta Valley High School and Glendale Unified community.”
