The Encinitas Union School District is honoring a pair of valuable of their education community. Paul Ecke Central School second grade teacher Brooke Klein has been named the district’s Teacher of the Year and Lourdes Alarcon, a bilingual community liaison at both Ocean Knoll and Olivenhain Pioneer Schools, was selected as the Classified Employee of the Year.
Klein has been a teacher at Paul Ecke Central for the last eight years.
“Brooke fosters a positive, inclusive classroom where students feel valued and encouraged. Her open-door policy and attentive listening make her a trusted mentor and resource for both staff and students,” wrote Principal Wes Sechrest in his nomination letter. “Brooke’s warmth, positivity, and willingness to others make her a beloved figure in our school.”
Klein also serves as the school’s Teachers of Encinitas union representative, contributes to the Report Card Committee, and plays a leadership role in the district’s Innovation Cohort, where Encinitas educators come together to explore unique educational initiatives.
Alarcon has been a site bilingual community liaison with the district for two years.
Ocean Knoll Principal Mariel Laughlin and staff nominated Alcaron to recognize how she s families in need of additional help, “working magic” to make sure each student feels valued and has access to the resources they need. Ocean Knoll staff described how she warmly welcomes students into the Welcome Center every morning, s staff in communicating with families and translating materials and is always available to meet with groups of students to solve problems.
According to her coworkers, Alcaron is always finding creative solutions for school families’ needs, even if they need groceries at 8 p.m. at night or on the weekend: “There is no waiting until ‘working hours,’” said one member of the Ocean Knolls staff. “I don’t know how she hides her angel wings…This year we have needed her heart and dedication more than ever and our community could not be more grateful for her and her service.”
The district will honor Klein and Alarcon, along with all other site employees of the year, at a ceremony on May 27.
