SACRAMENTO, Calif — ABC10, in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento State’s College of Education, is proud to announce Monica Petersen as Teacher of the Month for October 2024. Petersen is the English Learner Specialist and middle school leadership teacher at Arcohe School of Arcohe Union School District. 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.
Petersen has been teaching for 11 years and is a proud Sacramento State graduate. She received her multiple subject teaching credential with a bilingual authorization from the university's credential program.
When asked to share advice for the future teachers of America, Petersen said, “It is our job to teach the curriculum and subject matter, but at the end of the day, students only truly learn from teachers that take the time to build relationships — teachers that make students feel seen, valued and heard. Math and reading are important, but also remember to take time out for the fun stuff too. Those are the memories they will walk away with. Teach from a place of kindness, compassion, empathy and love, while setting up boundaries and structure for your students. This will help encourage them to become good, productive members of society.
As part of being recognized as Teacher of the Month, Petersen will receive $1,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and 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 ceremony in 2025.
ABC10’s Teacher of the Month program was showcased during the 2023 Sacramento Business Journal's Corporate Citizenship Awards in which the station received an award in the Corporate Champion for Education category.
To nominate a local teacher in the greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area for an upcoming Teacher of the Month, please visit abc10.com/teacherofthemonth