CED Alumna Named Orange County Teacher of the Year
The College of Education congratulates alumna, Sovantevy “Sovey” Long-Latteri on being named Teacher of the Year for Orange County! Sovey is a graduate from the College’s Special Education Credential Program (ESCP) in mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities and teaches at La Sierra High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. She shares, “I work among many wonderful teachers doing amazing things in the classroom, for this reason it is an honor to be named Orange County's 2022 Teacher of the Year.” She continues, “This recognition means a population that is often misunderstood is entitled to a meaningful education by a highly qualified teacher that genuinely cares about them, challenges and helps them thrive; I am that teacher and I'm very proud to be recognized for it.”
Sovey’s decision to become a special education teacher came after an unexpected assignment to work in special education as a college aide. It was during this assignment that Sovey found a career that, “sparked an interest and filled a void within me. I looked forward to work each week, I couldn't wait to see the students after a long weekend, and missed them when we weren't working together, it was such a wonderful and fulfilling feeling that I couldn't imagine life without it. It occurred to me that watching students grow, meet goals and overcome obstacles could be a part of my life forever, it was my calling. I answered that call by becoming a special education teacher.”
Crediting the College of Education’s Special Education Credential Program with preparing her to become an educator, Sovey said, “Working with mentors that had experience in special education helped me make connections in the community, justified my journey, and prepared me for the classroom. The College of Education molded me as a special education teacher and a person. While classes prepared me for work, professors and connections I made prepared me for life.”
Congratulations, Sovey!
