Page 9 - Heroes In Education Program for Flip_Neat

Jozelda Escresa
Special Education Teacher of the Year - Granada Hills Charter

Affectionately known as Ms. Jo, her education journey began in the Philippines,
teaching Sunday school to underprivileged children near the railroad tracks. After
a successful corporate career, she followed her true passion—teaching—a path she
has pursued for nearly two decades across the U.S. and abroad.

Guided by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, Ms. Jo believes every
student possesses unique strengths. Her work at the Multiple Intelligence International School in the
Philippines reinforced her dedication to honoring diverse learning styles and empowering students to succeed
both academically and personally.

At Granada Hills Charter School, Ms. Jo has created innovative, hands-on programs like Morning Brew for
the Crew, a student-run coffee shop, and the Class Mobile Music Studio. These initiatives provide special
needs students with real-world skills and meaningful experiences that build confidence and independence.
She actively collaborates with programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), DECA, AP Capstone,
Advanced Culinary Arts, and the Black Student Union, fostering inclusion and connection between special
and general education students.

A passionate traveler, Ms. Jo draws inspiration from the warmth and culture of places like Slovenia and
Croatia. Her global outlook and deep commitment to diversity fuel her mission to build inclusive
communities—both in the classroom and beyond.

Lexi Tippings

Teacher of the Year - Secondary
Valley International Preparatory High School

The most beautiful thing about dreams is that they change and grow as we do. At
seven, I was sure I’d be a doctor and a lawyer. But at 20, while coaching Speech and
struggling to reconcile with a future I no longer wanted, everything shifted. My
boss—an English teacher and coach—sat me down and said, “You’re crazy if you’re
not considering doing this for a living. These kids love you, you’re good at this, and it clearly makes you happy.”
Her words clicked something into place. Fifteen years later, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

This is my fourth year at VIPHS, and third as a full-time teacher. I’ve been lucky to teach some incredible
students, and I look forward to many more. I hope they never stop teaching me their slang, popping into my
room just to say hi, or trusting that there's a method to the madness in my lessons. I strive to be a safe person
in their lives—someone who helps them find strength in what makes them uniquely themselves.

I currently teach Honors English 10, 9th Grade Advisory, and Speech and Debate, so yes—I’m proudly a word
nerd. But even with all my love of language, I can’t fully express how much this award means to me. Not for
the recognition, but because it affirms that what happens in my classroom matters.

Thank you to my family, friends, school, and especially my students. I hope to always be a balm and blessing
in your lives, as you have been in mine