Alameda – January 30, 2025 – Bay Farm School teacher Michele Kuttner was named a Teacher of the Year during Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s annual Assembly 8 Awards Luncheon last weekend.
Ms. Kuttner, who has taught at Bay Farm for 22 years, was honored for her contributions to both Bay Farm’s environmental efforts and those of the whole district. Those contributions include helping to found AUSD’s Green Waste program, which garnered a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association in 2014 and Green Ribbon Awards from both the state and federal government in 2016.
“I am very honored to have been selected to be a part of this group of hard-working and impactful community members,” Ms. Kuttner says. “Teaching students to be stewards of the local and global environment and leveraging our schools to be leaders in that work has long been a passion of mine, and I am grateful to Assemblymember Bonta for recognizing that.”
Notes Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi, “It is gratifying to see Ms. Kuttner’s exceptional dedication and contributions recognized at the regional level. She has had a remarkable influence on the environmental efforts and achievements at our schools, within our district, across the island, and throughout the county. She is an exceptional teacher and community member.”
At the luncheon, Assemblymember Bonta recognized 20 community members, businesses, civic leaders, and nonprofits for their lasting impacts on California's 18th Assembly District.
“I’m incredibly proud to host our 3rd Annual Assembly District 18 Awards and recognize the outstanding public servants contributing to our community,” Assemblymember Bonta said in a press release. “From teachers empowering students to find their voice to organizations investing millions in the most underserved parts of our district, community members from all walks of life show up daily to do the tough, unsung work that keeps Assembly District 18 thriving.”
Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee attended the event, as did community leaders and elected officials, including AUSD Board Vice President Ryan Lalonde and Board Member Maleah Hall.
“The Board congratulates Ms. Kuttner on this well-deserved award,” says Vice President LaLonde. “Her work over the years has led our district to be a leader in environmental education and practices and helped us become an important partner in the City’s environmental practices as well.”
Adds Board President Gary Lym, “Ms. Kuttner is a shining light in our district. We are deeply grateful to her skills as a teacher and her leadership in environmental education. We are very proud of her.”