GGUSD Teacher Named Orange County Teacher of the Year

• Friday, May 3, 2024

Garden Grove Unified School District teacher Jordanna Jahn was named a 2025 Orange County Teacher of the Year Finalist, news announced during a special surprise visit to her classroom at Irvine Intermediate School on Thursday, May 2.

Jahn was one of six finalists from across Orange County to receive a surprise visit from a school bus filled with camera crews, sponsors, reporters and representatives from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) including OCDE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes who presented Jahn with the Teacher of the Year award. 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.

“We applaud Jordanna on earning this prestigious recognition as one of the best educators in Orange County,” said Board of Education President Teri Rocco. “This recognition is a reflection of the dedication she gives each and every day to motivate and support her students and to make invaluable contributions to the programs offered at Irvine Intermediate School.”   

Jahn began teaching in GGUSD in 1996 and currently teaches English Language Arts, World History and AVID.  Jahn is the school’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 in the fall.

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