Preschool instructor named 'Teacher of the Year'

NORWALK - Astrid Feist, a preschool teacher at the Cerritos College Child Development Center, is one of six persons to receive Los Angeles Universal Preschool's Teacher of the Year award.The award is presented to preschool teachers who "exemplify excellence and go above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare children for school and life." Feist, a full-time preschool teacher and part-time college child development instructor, was selected from a pool of 100 nominations. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Psychology, teaches workshops for the Foster and Kinship program, and volunteers weekly for a family with three children who have all been diagnosed with ADHD. She helps the children with their social skills and sensory and cognitive development, and provides support to the parents to better handle their children's behavioral issues. Dr. Carrie Edwards, chair of the Fitness & Wellness Department, nominated Feist. "I feel privileged that my daughter is able to be a part of her class," Edwards said. "She is particularly motivated to be able to teach within the LAUP program and provide opportunities to all students, not just the ones that can afford it. She has a passion to advocate for those that are less fortunate and need guidance and support." Feist will be recognized during an evening celebration to be held at Sony Pictures Studio in Culver City on April 12. "We are so proud of her," said Debra Ward, director of the Cerritos College Child Development Center.

********** Published: April 7, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 51