Teacher of the Year Honored at Luncheon

Although teacher Michelle Griffin-Sloat instructed her seventh-graders on some of the toughest subjects around--sex education and substance abuse--she still managed to be the chosen the best teacher in Encino last year.

That’s what her principal at Portola Middle School and a selection committee thought Thursday when they named her Encino teacher of the year.

The health and life science teacher, an 18-year veteran, received the award at a noon luncheon attended by Mayor Richard Riordan, City Councilwoman Laura Chick and about 150 other city officials and community activists.

“I have been a teacher since college,” said Griffin-Sloat, who incorporates computers and games into her lessons on anatomy, communicable diseases and first aid. “I think you have to be honest with children. That’s what works best. That’s what they relate to.”

Griffin-Sloat topped about 700 teachers from 10 other schools to win the award in Encino’s second annual ceremony.

Through school vote or principal selection, each school chose one teacher as its best. Each teacher wrote two essays detailing unique techniques and teaching style. The essays were then submitted to eight Encino community and business leaders who serve on Chamber of Commerce committees.

After a grueling, two-hour session, a winner was chosen. Each of the 10 finalists received $250 to spend on their classes. The winner received an extra $500.

Griffin-Sloat said she wanted to use the money to help buy a digital camera for her class to use in science projects.

The other teachers honored are Dede Charbonneau of Mulholland Middle School, Kathleen DeSoto of Birmingham High, Donna Gatewood-King of Emelita Street Elementary, Robert Heinbaugh of Nestle Avenue Elementary, Ellin Lesley Laurence of Lanai Road Elementary, Mary Ann McGinley of Zane Grey High, Karen Nichols of Reseda High, Carol Palato of Encino Elementary and Lynda Wormell of Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies.