New CTE Teacher of the Year

2020-2021 was Mrs. Renee Manley-Medic’s first year as a certified teacher and a CTE teacher in Early Childhood Education. She served as a mentor to students completing work-based learning experiences and internships through The Eagles Nest preschool where she was lead teacher of the three-year old program. What sets Renee apart as a work-based learning mentor was her willingness to spend quality time providing encouragement. She has an active Educators Rising chapter and values the leadership experience for her students.

The Boulder Creek High School ECE program was part of the ADE monitoring process this year and met all compliance indicators, while earning a Distinguished rating of 97% for program quality. She works with the DVUSD preschools, local elementary schools, private centers, as well as colleges ensuring her students have access to quality work-based learning experiences and post-secondary opportunities.

Mrs. Manley-Medic was committed to providing hands-on lab experiences which make the program engaging for all. These included simulations, sensory activities, and design of childcare facilities. Renee’s students will earn certifications in Food Handler’s, First-Aid, CPR, and prepare portfolio for the CDA certification. Renee keeps access and equity at the forefront of her thinking. She engages non-traditional and special populations students and nurtures them to be successful. Renee’s success shows in the program growth in her courses from approximately 170 students in FY21 to 220 in FY22 Being a teacher in this unusual pandemic year was a challenge, but she approached it with grace and positivity.

Renee’s Advanced ECE students jumped right in to help by completing work-based learning hours at Anthem schools to assist younger learners to be successful online. She made significant improvements in increasing program participation for non-traditional students. Renee’s passion for her content helps to engage males and females and students of all skill levels including special This Fall students made baby blankets which were donated to Maggie’s Place, a local crisis pregnancy center. At the holiday time students collected gift cards for the Head Start Adopt-a Family.

Renee is active with the ECE advisory council. Industry partners included preschool leaders, post-secondary representatives, and governing board members. Renee does an outstanding job of following through with advisory members to engage them in her classroom and pursue program improvement opportunities such as offering dual enrollment credit. Renee has been actively involved in ACTEAZ as a member and a presenter.