DUBLIN, CA — Dublin High School social studies teacher Ramany Kaplan was named an Alameda County Teacher of the Year by the Alameda County Office of Education. Kaplan is now in the running to become California Teacher of the Year.
Kaplan is one of 18 local educators recognized during the 33rd annual awards ceremony on Oct. 6. She and Christy Taylor, who teaches in Fremont, won the two awards.
Kaplan is a first-generation Cambodian-American, and began her career tutoring college students who spoke little to no English, according to the Dublin Unified School Districts. She has been teaching for nearly eight years. She holds a Master of Science in Education from California State University, Fullerton; a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California; a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and Sociolinguistics from San Francisco State University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative & World Literature with a Minor in Medieval History from California State University, Long Beach.
“Ms. Kaplan is a thoughtful, empathetic, and dedicated educator,” DHS Principal Maureen Byrne said in a statement. “From teaching a course on ‘Deconstructing Race,’ to encouraging students to find their voice as writers for our student-run newspaper, to spearheading our work with intervention helping to accelerate reading gains for struggling students, she is a true source of inspiration for our school community.”
“Across the educational field, and industries across the country, there is a sense of urgency when it comes to developing and ensuring an equitable learning environment for all students. Through Ms. Kaplan’s innovative work within our schools, she is moving that needle forward,” DUSD Superintendent Dr. Chris Funk said. “On behalf of our District, we’d like to congratulate her on this prestigious achievement.”
See here for a list of Alameda County Teacher of the Year honorees.