Each year, the teachers in the three academic departments of Diamond Bar High School name a teacher of the year within their divisions. From those three, the entire staff votes which teacher will be Diamond Bar High School's Teacher of the Year. The winner is then be considered for the title of Walnut Valley Unified’s Teacher of Year.
The 2022-23 Brahma nominees are:
Lisa Arionus - Math, Science and Special Education Division Teacher of the Year
Lisa has built great relationships with students, staff and parents. She helps struggling students have a better relationship with the subject of math and has patience for the “average” student on campus. She puts her students first and goes the extra mile for her students-using technology and making exemplary video lessons to help her students learn. In addition, Lisa gives details for progress reports/summaries of students with IEP’s in her class, demonstrating her willingness to go above and beyond to track and monitor students with disabilities in her class. Lisa is a team player and steps up to help the department when needed. This year she took on the new Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications class developing curriculum and providing incredible and creative applications that show students the importance of math in day-to-day life. Lisa is an excellent and exceptional teacher who is sculpting and modeling the way for new teachers. She mentors our new teachers on campus (through Induction and PLC’s) and is a master teacher for student teachers from our local universities. Lisa also recently earned her National Board Certification which is a highly respected professional certification in education and provides numerous benefits to students, teachers, and schools. Lisa is an amazing and caring teacher and represents what it is to be a Brahma.
Mario Enriquez - Health/PE, Social Science, Technology, Pathways, & CTE/ROP Division Teacher of the Year
As an industry expert in the field of Digital Video Production (DVP), Mario helps to guide his students through the 3-year sequence of introductory, intermediate, and advanced coursework of his CTE program. He has been a valuable member of the Pathways Communications Academy since joining the campus in 2014, guiding his students to develop a deeper understanding of who they are, and who the can become, through the skills of storytelling & cinematics. He puts the kids first in all his efforts and the students adore him. He shares his passions with all the students who walk into his class, and it shows. He routinely steps up to support the creation of marketing videos that showcasing the great things happening on our campus, in the Arts, Athletics, Activities and Academics. His students’ efforts can be seen in episodes of The Stampede, as well as their short-film entries in the annual Brahma Cinematics Doppelganger Film Festival. He also supports his students in gaining valuable Work-Based Learning experiences, by facilitating partnerships with local business through the creation of commercial content. He also shares his expertise with his colleagues, serving as a mentor to new instructors completing the induction process. He currently supports 2 DBHS Alumni working as interns, seeking to become future educators in the field of Digital Video Production. He embodies what it means to be Dynamic, Balanced, Honorable and Scholastic… and strives to build these characteristics in others.
Jared Kaitz - English/ELD, World Languages, and Visual and Performing Arts Division Teacher of the Year
Jared is DBHS’s Performing Arts Drama Director and currently participates in Walnut Valley’s 2022-2023 Leadership Development Seminar. Jared’s talents as teacher, director, writer, set designer, and costumer continue to expand the theater department by highlighting the incredible talent of our students. Jared goes above and beyond for his students and the drama department. Jared’s hard work and passion for his craft have resulted in many awards for DBHS and our students. Earlier this year, Jared applied for Disney’s United States of Frozen “Love is an Open Door” competition, and DBHS won the exclusive rights to Frozen. Not only is Jared providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and our school, but he is also using the occasion to bring awareness to inclusion through carefully designed activities that promote the uniqueness of every student in our Walnut Valley community. Jared is astutely aware of the power of community and uses his talents to create bridges with all those he meets. Following a recent performance at one of our district’s elementary schools, a First grade teacher wrote, “I wanted to express my students’ joy in watching your children’s theater performance…The class was thrilled to know that these were high school actors and that doing drama is an opportunity they will have in the future. Thank you for inspiring us!”. Jared is a one-of-a-kind teacher and director, and he truly represents what it means to raise the bar, each day!