OVSD's Saporito Honored by OCDE as 2018 Teacher of the Year Finalist
The Ocean View School District applauds one of its own, Vincent Saporito, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Special Day Class Teacher at College View Elementary School, who was honored as a finalist at last night’s 2018 Orange County Department of Education Teachers of the Year Ceremony. Deaf and hard of hearing himself, Saporito has taught in the Ocean View School District for more than nine years. One of only six finalists in Orange County, Saporito received special recognition last night, as well as a table for 10 at the dinner celebration courtesy of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, prize packages, and a cash award provided by the Dr. James Hines Foundation. The event, held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, brought together educators from Orange County school districts and community colleges, as well as family, friends and peers. See photos and read more about Mr. Saporito, the finalists, and the celebration dinner.
“Mr. Saporito is so deserving of this special recognition,” said Dr. Carol Hansen, OVSD Superintendent. “We attended the celebration dinner to support and celebrate the profound work he does with our deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as individuals in his community.”
At the TOY celebration dinner: (pictured from left to right) Asst. Superintendent Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent Carol Hansen, Finalist Vincent Saporito, Principal Kathy Smith, Asst. Superintendent Felix Avila, and Executive Director Melissa Hurd.
Saporito has impacted both general and special education students over the years by teaching them American Sign Language, both in the classroom and in the community. “This has been an amazing journey,” said Mr. Saporito. “The support I’ve received from the OVSD staff and the community has been incredible. I feel honored and blessed to be recognized in this way.”
According to Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares, “On this day, we get to honor the best our profession has to offer, spotlighting teachers who not only showcase pedagogical mastery, but also exemplify the theme of this year’s event, ‘Compassion, Kindness and Character.”