Burton teacher to be honored as one of three Educators of the Year Thursday

Omar Lopez, math teacher at Burton Middle School will join fifthgrade teacher Paul Meadors of Traver Joint School District and English teacher Zilda Hilliard of Mission Oak High School in being honored Thursday as 2018 Tulare County Educators of the Year at the 25th annual Confucius’ Birthday Celebration at Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia.

The invited educators, family, and friends will celebrate the three exemplary teachers at a private ceremony.

Omar Lopez has served as a math teacher at Burton Middle School for two years, with an additional 13 years of teaching experience. For five years prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Lopez worked as a Migrant Education community liaison in Salinas, California.

While teaching eighthgrade math, Lopez finds ways to engage every student in learning, imparting his own love for math.

His principal, Adrianna Franco, said, “I have been impressed by Omar’s drive and caring demeanor. He is organized, dependable, goal oriented, approachable, innovative, and a lifelong learner who truly cares for students and their success.”

One of the first teachers on campus every morning, Lopez works long hours after school to coordinate Burton Middle School’s sporting events. Last year, he served as the school’s athletic director, working closely with the coaches and other athletic directors in the area, and organizing an endof-the-year banquet to celebrate and recognize the teams’ accomplishments. Mr. Franco also helps students prepare for the countywide Math Super Bowl competition. This fall, Lopez will begin a program to obtain his school administrative services credential.

In 1994, members of the Central California Chinese Cultural Center approached Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak about creating an event to honor teachers. The board members explained that Chinese people around the world often mark the occasion of Confucius’ birthday – China’s advocate for universal education – by recognizing exemplary teachers.

Since 1994, members of the Chinese Cultural Center have held a dinner celebration at their beautiful facilities in Visalia honoring one elementary, one middle and one high school teacher.

“This year’s winners go above and beyond to support the students they serve, taking on many responsibilities outside their regular classroom duties,” said Vidak. “Each of them is a valued resource for their entire school.”