TEACHER OF THE YEAR: The magic of learning in Michelle Mangan’s classroom
by Hibah Samad
The morning air buzzes with excitement as Michelle Mangan’s Transitional Kindergarten class at Meadows Elementary kicks off another day of learning and joy. Her students arrive eager and ready.
“I feel like my room has so much love,” said Mangan, who was recently named MBUSD’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. “They are running to my class every morning. It’s so magical to see. If only kids could keep this joy for school in their hearts forever.”
Each day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, during which Mangan hopes to instill a sense of gratitude towards the armed forces. Then, bright-eyed students look forward to the daily affirmations that they recite out loud together such as “I am loved,” I am smart,” “I can do anything,” “I am magic.”
In Mangan’s classroom, activity is constant, as is student engagement. On any given day, students participate in “centers,” a variety of educational stations that enhance fine motor skills, counting, and more. Before the students disperse to their stations, Mangan explains the day’s learning objectives and activities. One activity will involve students rolling foam dice to practice counting, then placing the corresponding number of toothpicks into a piece of a pool noodle. At another station, students will play a fishing game to develop motor skills and recognize words written on the fish they catch.

Students in teacher Michelle Mangan’s classroom counting dice.
“It has to be fun and engaging; it can’t just be paper and pencil,” Mangan said, explaining that she tailors each station to meet the diverse needs of her students, often pairing those who need extra help with a buddy or an aide.
“If a child is not learning, it’s not their fault,” she said. “As a teacher, you have to think…’How am I going to have them understand?’”
She said that her students are already learning ahead of their grade, from coloring within the lines knowing consonant, vowel, consonant words. But Mangan’s dedication extends beyond academic achievement. She works to create a welcoming environment where each learner’s needs are met where they are.
“You have to create a safe and loving space, where children are seen and heard, feel important and valued,” she said.
Mangan earned the MBUSD’s Teacher of the Year award in April. She’s been teaching for 40 years, 30 years within MBUSD. During the May 1 Board of Education meeting, all MBUSD Teachers of the Year were recognized. Meadows Principal Michelle Krzmarzick told the board that what sets Mangan apart are her efforts to reach every student.
“She teaches with a high ceiling and a low floor,” Krzmarzick said. “She teaches with high expectations for her students, and they strive to break through that ceiling and beyond.”
Krzmarzick said that Mangan’s example is a vibrant daily reminder of the difference educators can make in their students’ lives.
“We have kids for 180 days,” she said, “and those days aren’t magic unless you figure out a way to reach all students.”
Mangan’s dedication is part of what made her shine out to the MBUSD Teacher of the Year Committee. They shared that after interviewing and observing classrooms of each MBUSD school site, Teacher of the Year Mangan stood out for her passion for establishing an early learning environment responsive to student needs.
Mangan said that being an educator was something she was born to do.
“I always loved kids,” she said. “When I was little, my mom was a paralegal secretary so that she would bring the manila folders home for me, and I would line up all of my dolls and stuffed babies. I would make folders with checklists, attendance, and had my blackboard in there. I always loved teaching.”
Her professional journey started with preschool focused on at-risk students, where she worked with teen moms and abused and neglected children. She then earned an emergency teaching credential and taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District before moving to MBUSD, where she has taught at nearly every elementary school. Her first job at MBUSD was a second grade teacher at Meadows Elementary. Her tenure in MBUSD includes teaching pep, transitional kindergarten (TK), and kindergarten.
She transitioned and stayed as a TK teacher because of the foundational learning that takes place and the creativity she can bring into the classroom.
“It’s setting the path of their entire academic journey, setting the expectation and excitement,” Mangan said. “You have a captive audience who are so excited to do new things. I really listen to them.”
Beyond educating the youngest learners, Mangan is dedicated to growing her students’ self-esteem, self-worth, and respect.
“I want them to know their work represents who they are, and they should be proud of whatever they complete,” she said. “They all have gifts, and every gift is as important as the next.”
Mangan also builds special connections with her families, colleagues, and formers students. You can find her frequently going to their birthdays, events, and even weddings.
This isn’t the first time Mangan has been honored for being an outstanding teacher.
She also earned the site Teacher of the Year title during the 2019-2020 school year at Robinson Elementary.
As MBUSD Teacher of the Year, Mangan is now in the running to be the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year (TOY) Program is the largest of its kind in the state and part of the oldest and most prestigious honors competition in the U.S. for public school teachers.
Mangan credited her success to her family. She said she wouldn’t have been able to do this without her loved ones.
“I have to thank my family, my daughter Olivia and husband Greg,” she said. “They have been so supportive and encouraging.”
She says receiving this honor is like reading a book and getting to the final chapter.
“It’s so amazing to be recognized for something you have done year after year,” she said. “And it justifies everything you have done.” ER