Glendale High School Teacher Elizabeth Astor has been named one of 16 Teachers of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The County’s top 16 public school teachers were presented by County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo during the annual Teachers of the Year banquet held Sept. 21.

Astor is a special education teacher and department chair at Glendale High School. She also serves as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach and is heading up the implementation of Restorative Practices at GHS. She leads professional development trainings for the entire GHS staff and has helped teachers change their attitudes about discipline and student success.

“Ms. Astor is a phenomenal special education teacher who cares about her students’ success both academically and social-emotionally,” said Glendale High School Principal Dr. Ben Wolf. “As a teacher, coach and department chair, Ms. Astor always takes care of the wellbeing of both students and adults under her care.”

The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year competition is the largest in the state and is part of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honors contest for school teachers. The top 16 automatically advance, with other county teachers of the year from around the state, to the California Teachers of the Year competition.

At all levels, Teacher of the Year events are designed to focus public attention on teaching excellence, and to honor educators who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, compelling classroom practices, positive accomplishments, and professional commitment.