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Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher, an eighth-grade English teacher at LA Unified’s Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes, was named today as one of five California Teachers of the Year for 2015.

All five will be honored at a dinner Monday night in Sacramento, according to an announcement by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

Here’s what Torlakson’s press release had to say about her:

As a mentor, she shares her knowledge and expertise with other teachers so together they can make a greater impact on student learning. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and also encourages other teachers to pursue the highest credential they can.

She believes that parents are an integral part of education and invites them to share in their children’s experiences. If parents are unable to come to the school for conferences, she goes to their homes.

“After these visits, her students’ work began to improve as reflected by their scores on standardized periodic assessments and their overall attitude about school,” wrote Agnes L. Pitlik, assistant principal.

As an immigrant child, Marquez-Prueher’s own school experience in America had a difficult beginning. But she is proud of the fact that she has come full circle, from being considered an outsider and different to becoming a public school teacher who embraces a philosophy that learning is a journey.

The other four winners are Amy Laughlin, Hanson School, Savanna School District in Anaheim; Maggie Mabery, Manhattan Beach Middle School, Manhattan Beach Unified; Christopher O’Connor, St. Helena High School, St. Helena Unified; and Erin Rosselli, Panorama Elementary School, Orange Unified.

“It is an honor to recognize these five incredibly dedicated teachers who devote their energy, passion, and creativity to helping all their students achieve inside and outside the classroom,” Torlakson said. “These teachers have made a huge difference in their students’ lives.”