GGUSD Teacher Named Finalist for California Teacher of the Year

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Garden Grove Unified School District teacher Jordanna Jahn was named a 2025 California Teacher of the Year Finalist, news announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on October 8. Jahn, who teaches seventh grade AVID, English Language Arts and World History at Irvine Intermediate School was one of six finalists from across the state.

“We applaud Jordanna on earning this prestigious recognition as one of the best educators in California,” said Board of Education President Teri Rocco. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the dedication she gives each and every day to motivate and support her students, equipping them with both the academic and personal skills for lifelong success.”

“I am humbled to be selected as a finalist for the California Teacher of the Year Program,” said Jahn. “As a teacher, I feel passionate about the work we are doing in the district. I believe that building a strong classroom community through relationships is an essential component of our daily instruction and is fundamental to making a difference in our students’ lives.

Jahn was also one of six finalists from across Orange County to compete at the state level. She was named an Orange County finalist during a surprise visit in May from a school bus filled with camera crews, sponsors, reporters and representatives from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Other special guests who took part in the surprise were GGUSD Board of Education President Teri Rocco, Vice President Lan Nguyen, Irvine Intermediate Principal Holly Jefferson, Jahn’s family members, colleagues and a classroom full of cheering students including eighth grader Dang Tran who wrote her letter of recommendation for the award.

Jahn began teaching in GGUSD in 1996 and serves as Irvine Intermediate’s AVID Coordinator, manages the Scholars in Training after-school intervention, supports PBIS and the Drama Club, and much more. She is known for her ability to empower and connect with students, creating a classroom where students feel safe and valued.

GGUSD’s three nominees for the 2025 Orange County Teacher of the Year Program include Jahn, Faylane Elementary School Teacher Ji Sun Kim who was a semifinalist for Orange County Teacher of the Year and Marshall Elementary School Teacher Theresa Miguel. All three nominees will be recognized at a GGUSD Board of Education meeting as well as at the Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year Gala at the Disneyland Resort on November 1.