December 2024 Employees of the Month

GGUSD’s Employee of the Month program is designed to recognize employees who: put others first; go above and beyond to make a difference in their role; carry out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic and demonstrate innovation, leadership, and passion for their job.



Jason Lupei

Jason joined the district in 1997 serving as a Resource Specialist at Garden Grove High School through 2003. From 2003 to 2013 and then again in 2014 through today, Jason has worked as a Social Science Teacher at Rancho Alamitos High School. From 2003 to 2012, he was also the cheer advisor and since 2016, he has invested his time, talents and passions into his role as Activities Director. Jason was nominated for this recognition by staff who said he puts his heart and soul into his job, creating meaningful connections with students and leading by example demonstrating what it means to spread kindness and empathy. His boundless energy is magnetic among the students who he inspires each day. In the classroom, he is highly engaging and has a way of making learning fun. He is full of positive energy and has gone above and beyond to help students feel valued and supported.  Students trust Jason and they look forward to coming to his class each day. He truly embodies the Garden Grove Way.

Joseph Sears

Joseph joined the district in 2015 serving for five years as a tutor at Bolsa Grande High School. In 2020, he began working as an Instructional Aide II, serving at Warren, Parkview, and Clinton from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, he began his current role as an Intensive Behavior Intervention Assistant or IBIA for Special Education currently serving at Marshall Elementary. He was nominated for this recognition by staff members who described him as “super man.” One staff member said Joseph is one of the most diligent and kind persons that I’ve ever met. Joseph is patient, caring and calm, serving both moderate to severe special education students as well as general education students who need extra support with behavior.  Staff said Joseph is consistently helping students to deescalate behavior, motivate them, and speak to them in a way they are able to come down from an outburst or emotional trigger. His tone is always consistent no matter what. His presence has provided a sense of stability, allowing students to feel understood and supported even in their most difficult moments.