Sacramento, CA – ABC10, in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento State’s College of Education, is proud to announce Samantha McCoy of Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Stockton -- which is part of the Lodi Unified School District -- as Teacher of the Month for December 2023. In place for 20+ years, Teacher of the Month is one of ABC10’s signature community enrichment initiatives designed to highlight local teachers making a difference in the lives of their students and families
After being interviewed recently by ABC10’s Mark S. Allen, a seven-time Emmy Award winning member of the news team, an uplifting story about Ms. McCoy will air multiple times during the month of December. The first time the story will air is on Tuesday, December 12* during ABC10’s morning news between 5-7 a.m. and again that same evening during ABC10 News at 5 p.m.
Ms. McCoy has been teaching for 24 years, currently teaches Science/STEM, and is focused on making learning fun for her students. She goes above and beyond to create amazing projects, promote participation in MESA (Mathematics, Engineering & Science Achievement) activities and competitions, and works to provide opportunities for field trips and travel for students. Many of her students would not otherwise be exposed to all the avenues and opportunities in the science/STEM fields if not for Ms. McCoy’s dedication and investment or her time.
When asked what she loves most about teaching, Ms. McCoy said, “I love being able to make my kids ‘like’ going to school. Not all kids love school but if I can be the teacher to bring joy to a child's face, then I've done my job. I've been doing this a long time. All you need is patience and love from your heart to be a great teacher.”
As part of being recognized as Teacher of the Month, Ms. McCoy will receive $1,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union plus will be eligible for the title of ABC10’s Esquire IMAX Teacher of the Year – that includes a $5,000 prize – which will be announced at a special awards program next year.
To nominate a local teacher in the greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area for an upcoming Teacher of the Month, please visit abc10.com/teacherofthemonth.