California Teacher of the Year Hails from CSULB (Spotlight)

Dr. Brian McDaniel, an alumnus of CSULB, was named one of five 2018 California “Teachers of the Year” and will represent California in the final selection for the National Teacher of the Year for 2017-18. Dr. McDaniel teaches music to students in sixth through eighth grade at Painted Hills Middle School in Palm Springs Unified School District.

In the California Department of Education news release, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson shared, “These teachers are deeply committed, hard-working and creative. They help students find their inner strengths and achieve their dreams, while inspiring, challenging, and supporting them every day. They represent the best of their profession.” Read more from the news release.

Dr. McDaniel earned his Single Subject Teaching Credential and bachelor’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach. His educational pursuits continued when he received a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction from California State University, San Bernardino and doctorate of educational leadership from the University of Redlands.

The College of Education is proud to see Dr. McDaniel receive this distinguished title and wish him luck as he competes against other state nominees for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in spring 2018.