BUENA PARK, CA – Whitaker School fourth-grade teacher Daniele Fuson aspires to make every day in her class fun and interactive, hosting sing-alongs, learning about her student’s hopes and dreams and playing music that excites her students about learning.

Fuson’s lively approach to educating has earned her the distinction of Buena Park School District’s Teacher of the Year and a nomination for 2023 Orange County Teacher of the Year.

“What inspires me on a daily basis is how my students and I connect in class,” Fuson said. “In room 26 at Whitaker School, we like to have fun. As we enter the room in the morning, transition to other subjects during the day, or cleanup to go home, we’re listening to music, dancing our way back to our seats, or singing a familiar song. My students are awesome.”

Fuson, who has taught in the District for 25 years, said she is particularly proud of how she uses interpersonal skills through Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) to help students understand difficult math concepts. Through CGI, Fuson encourages students to draw, use manipulatives or even physical items to help work through their math problems.

Fuson holds a Bachelor of Arts in child development and a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National University.

“Mrs. Fuson is an extremely skilled educator; she understands not only where all of her students are academically, but where they also need to go in their gains,” Principal Stephanie Williamson said. “She is kind, supportive and the kind of teacher everyone wants to be around.”

Beyond teaching at Whitaker School, Fuson is involved with the Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching, which provides ongoing professional development training in instructional practices for teachers.

“We are proud to have Daniele Fuson here in the Buena Park School District, inspiring her students and encouraging them to always do their best,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Daniele is one of the many reasons why our District shines so brightly and why so many of our students are high achieving.”

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TEACHEROFYEAR1: Whitaker School Teacher Daniele Fuson has been named Buena Park School District’s Teacher of the Year and a nominee for Orange County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year award.