The Glendale Unified School District selected Toll Middle School Spanish dual language immersion teacher Maria Capdevila as the 2024 Teacher of the Year.
“This is such an incredible honor,” Capdevila said. “I am beyond happy and proud because my school, Toll Middle School, and GUSD at large have many amazing educators. I am also thrilled to represent the Dual Language Immersion teachers who work tirelessly to help kids become biliterate, bilingual and bicultural.”
With this distinction, Capdevila, who has been an educator in GUSD for 12 years, will represent the district at this year’s Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition.
“Mrs. Capdevila is a passionate educator known for her tireless dedication to her students and our entire Toll Middle School community,” said former GUSD Board of Education President Jennifer Freemon. “Her deep love of language learning and commitment to her students truly shine.”
In addition to her long tenure as a teacher, Capdevila has demonstrated influence beyond the classroom as a leader in Toll Middle School’s World Language Department and GUSD’s districtwide dual language immersion programs.
Superintendent Darneika Watson commended Capdevila’s ability to actively engage each and every one of her students.
“Every day, she goes above and beyond to share her passion for world languages and cultures and find meaningful ways to connect with every child in her classroom,” Watson said.
Toll Principal Jennifer DeLadurantey said Capdevila is a role model for fellow educators.
“Her work as our Spanish dual immersion teacher is a model for language acquisition for all of her colleagues at Toll and districtwide,” DeLadurantey said.
Each year, GUSD selects one outstanding educator to advance to the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition. Administrators and educators submit nominees from across the district.
While Capdevila was ultimately selected, GUSD expressed how proud it is of all those considered.
Finalists for this honor included Joseph Benkovich, a history and social science teacher at Glendale High School; Alison Curtiss, an independent study educator at Verdugo Academy; Jeenie Lee, a math teacher at Rosemont Middle School; and Joan Nam, a math teacher and department chair at Wilson Middle School.
“Receiving this recognition has given me an enormous boost of energy, one that most teachers really need at times,” Capdevila said. “So I encourage parents and students to reach out and thank those wonderful teachers. They will be happy to hear it from you guys.”
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
