Monrovia 2nd grade teacher named 1 of 5 California Teachers of the Year

MONROVIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A second grade teacher in Monrovia was selected as one of this year's five California Teachers of the Year.

"I didn't come into teaching for the accolades, the awards, but it shows me that maybe I am making a positive impact on the lives of my students," said Dr. Heather Povinelli.

Povinelli has been teaching at Bradoaks Elementary School for more than 25 years, and becoming an educator has always been her dream.

"I was inspired as a young girl," she told Eyewitness News. "I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved my teachers. I'd watch them."

Presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year program honors outstanding teachers and encourages people to enter the profession.

As a teacher with dwarfism, Povinelli teaches her students about inclusion, equity, and believing in oneself.

"I might be the only person that they ever meet that's like me, but what I try to do is I don't hide that," she said. "So I really try to explain to them, that I promise I will work on getting you what you need. Just like in this classroom there are stools to help me, and there might not be stools for other teachers."

According to the CDE, through her doctoral research, Povinelli has highlighted specific strategies and practices used by teachers with dwarfism that can be applied by any teacher to more effectively reach students.

"She reaches out to those who are traditionally marginalized, and we see that as she sees outside the boxes," said Bradoaks Elementary Principal Calvin McKendrick.

"She always has a bright spirit. Even if somebody is down, she always helps them back up," said 2nd grader Sloan Bowman.

Povinelli hopes her students remember one important thing.

"They are important, they are loved and they are cared for for who they are," she said.