BUENA PARK, CA – Career Technical Educator (CTE) Shelley Andros works tirelessly to encourage her students to reach their “aha” moment when they revel in achieving a hard-earned goal during coding classes, robotics sessions or even in the school’s garden.

Andros’ gumption and inspiring spirit at Buena Park Junior High earned her a spot of the 2020 Top 10 Educators of Orange County list by Parenting OC. She was also named Buena Park School District’s Teacher of the year.

“I find achieving these awards very humbling and energizing because they encourage me to keep pushing myself to develop programs and pathways to help my students find their passion,” Andros said. “I teach with the end in mind. I build challenges for my students and I want them to figure it out on their own so that they build their growth mindset.”

Andros has taught horticulture, robotics and computer science at Buena Park Junior High since 2017. She also started the school’s Femineers program, advises on the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) sailing program and coordinated the District’s first VEX Robot Nation Tournament.

“I love how Mrs. Andros motivates us to do our best,” eighth-grader Tiffany E. said. “She encourages us to learn through hands-on experience, which improves our understanding.”

Tiffany E. said Andros has inspired her to be motivated beyond her normal studies and is even learning Python, a computer programming language, on her own.

Andros has a Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in education with an emphasis in technology from Hope International. She also holds a multiple subject credential, a career technical education credential in agriculture and natural resources, a credential in information communications technologies and a certificate in differentiated instruction from USC.

Before joining Buena Park School District, Andros taught computer science, gardening and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students for 14 years.

“Shelley Andros is the hardest-working teacher I have ever known,” Buena Park Junior High Principal Erik Bagger said. “She constantly plans amazing learning opportunities for our students. We are so proud of the work she does to build up our learning community.”

Andros recently secured a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation for $3,000 to create a wellness garden at Buena Park Junior High for growing foods and is working to secure funding from the Buena Park Education Foundation for 3D printers.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

031120_BUENAPARK_TOPTEACHER1: Career Technical Educator (CTE) Shelley Andros meets with two Buena Park Junior High School students as they show off a finished Lego robot. Andros, who teaches horticulture, robotics and computer science, was recently named on the Top 10 Educators of Orange County by Parenting OC.

031120_ BUENAPARK_TOPTEACHER2: Career Technical Educator (CTE) Shelley Andros holds her award, signifying her spot on the Top 10 Educators of Orange County – a list created by Parenting OC. Andros was awarded for superbly inspiring her students to be their best selves through education.