Jose Tañada
Ochoa Middle School
7th & 8th Grade
"Being a teacher has been my only so-called real job, and I've only known Anthony W. Ochoa Middle School. From sprained ankles and falls in competing with the kids on the blacktop, to the sweat of twenty-four Indian summers in the same air-condition-less room and from the tears of communal viewings of beloved films with my students, my blood, sweat and tears, I've left it at Ochoa.
Teaching young people the importance of reading and the power of writing never stops filling my cup. I am deeply honored to be considered Teacher of the Year, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Puente Project, my Puente counselor, the camaraderie of the Ochoa staff and the years of friendship cultivated there and the spirit of Anthony Ochoa. Thank you for believing in me."
Congratulations to Mr. Tañada! The recognition is well deserved!