Mariani, who has spent nearly three decades in Redlands Unified, was honored for her innovative teaching and connections with students and families.
REDLANDS – Cal Lutheran had not defeated the University of Redlands football team since 2012. The Bulldog players were pre-teens then.
Mariani, who has spent nearly three decades in Redlands Unified, was honored for her innovative teaching and connections with students and families.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Kristen Mariani, a transitional kindergarten teacher at Mentone Elementary School, has been named one of San Bernardino County’s four Teachers of the Year, the district announced last Friday.
Mariani has taught for 31 years, including 29 in Redlands Unified School District. She said her decision to teach was shaped by her own experience as a student.
“I didn’t enjoy school as a kid,” she said. “But I was inspired by a few great teachers and decided I was going to be a teacher like them, one who was going to make learning fun.”
In her classroom, Mariani focuses on academic readiness, social-emotional skills and growth mindset for the district’s youngest learners, some as young as 3 years old.
“When I make a mistake, she says it’s ok and to try again,” said Kinsley, one of her students.
Mentone Principal Mollee O’Day said Mariani stands out for using strategies often associated with higher grade levels.
“In her classroom, she shows that you can do AVID, even with four-year-olds,” O’Day said. “A lot of times people think AVID is only for secondary or high school, but she demonstrates how it can be part of a student’s education from the very beginning.”
O’Day added that the award also reflects the broader work at Mentone. “She supports students academically, she brings the community in to support our school, and she has a great connection with the kids,” she said.
Redlands Unified Superintendent Juan Cabral praised Mariani’s “passion, innovation and dedication,” calling her ability to inspire young learners and connect with families “truly remarkable.”
In addition to representing Mentone, Mariani’s achievement also shines a light on the district as a whole. “We are honored to see her represent our district at the state level, and we wish her continued success as she shares her extraordinary talents,” Cabral said.
Mariani said she hopes the recognition draws attention to smaller campuses like Mentone. “Don’t overlook smaller schools or outlier communities,” she said. “Sometimes people don’t realize we are a diamond in the rough with amazing students, teachers, families and programs.”
Mariani was honored Sept. 25 at a San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools event and will now advance to the California Teachers of the Year Program. State honorees are expected to be announced in October.
This article is based on a Sept. 26 news release from Redlands Unified School District.
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