Grijalva named La Paloma Teacher of Year

FALLBROOK — Elsa Grijalva, sixth grade teacher at La Paloma Elementary School, was introduced as Teacher of the Year by Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) Superintendent Janice Schultz to the Rotary Club of Fallbrook, of which she is president, during a recent meeting.

Grijalva is completing her 23rd year at La Paloma, having accepted her teaching assignment in 1985. A bilingual teacher, she has taught the SEI classroom in order to provide support to second language learners, the High Point program, the Parent Institute in Fallbrook, Bonsall, Vista and Oceanside and has been a mentor to other teachers.

She has served on numerous district and site committees – including ELAC, DELAC and SSC – and for years voluntarily conducted an after-school tutorial class.

“[Grijalva] has earned the respect of parents, students and staff,” said Schultz. “She has excellent classroom management skills and is always fair and equitable. She shares her enthusiasm for teaching in a manner that encourages her students to be life-long learners.

“She has high expectations for her students and they reward her by excelling in their subjects. Her students never forget her, evidenced by the many who continue to seek her out long after they have left her sixth grade classroom.”