Encinitas has a noteworthy tradition of recognizing and honoring its teachers through the Teacher of the Year program. The Teacher of the Year program celebrates and pays special tribute to the tireless efforts of our outstanding teachers. In doing so, the program brings well-deserved recognition to the whole teaching staff in the Encinitas Union School District.

This year, each school site selected a Teacher of the Year. These outstanding teachers include:

Debbie Burke Capri	Diane DeDonato El Camino Creek	Suzan Wilson Flora Vista
Dorothy Kraft La Costa Heights	Phyllis Krone Mission Estancia	Jodi Greenberger Ocean Knoll
David Dickinson Olivenhain Pioneer	Pat Keene Park Dale Lane	Susan McEachern Paul Ecke Central

Jodi Greenberger, teacher at Ocean Knoll School, has been a member of our Special Education Support Staff at Ocean Knoll for the past five years. During that time, she has proven herself to be an outstanding instructional leader, a caring and compassionate educator, and a collegial member of the Ocean Knoll staff.

In Jodi's capacity as Resource Specialist, she is responsible for the instructional program of some of Ocean Knoll’s neediest students. Working collaboratively with general education teachers, Jodi creates an individual plan for each student which is specific to needs, flexible to teacher and student learning styles, and focused to maximize student learning. Each week, she meets individually with teachers to assess student progress, identify specific program needs, and develop modifications and accommodations to support both teacher and student.

Her work doesn't stop with the students with special needs. All students receive the benefit of her expertise and knowledge as she willingly shares strategies and tools to support all learners at all grade levels at Ocean Knoll. She believes firmly that teachers and staff share responsibility for all students on campus. She has established Friendship Clubs to support the social needs of students, a Student Store which now works to recognize positive student choices, and is developing a grant to create a school garden for application of curricular content and standards.

Jodi is a lifelong learner. She continues to pursue new and creative strategies to support students and staff. Her knowledge is shared with teachers throughout the district. As BTSA Support Liaison for Special Education, she provides new teachers with resources, strategies, and mentoring in the various aspects of special education law and program. She is a member of the district Strategic Planning Committee. She has presented many times to teachers of Encinitas in the area of learning styles and accommodations to support students in the general education classrooms. She is enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene's Administrative Credential program to further provide leadership and support to the school community.

Her students love her and achieve. Her families utilize her as a resource and support, with Jodi making regular home visits and attending student activities and special events. She has been recognized by PTA as Very Important Person for her care and love of students, as well as the quality of her program. Jodi is truly an instrumental part of the Ocean Knoll family.