Mount Miguel High School Career Technical Education (CTE) teacher Mick McMurray and IDEA Center High School English teacher Kendra Vandermeer have been named Grossmont Union High School District’s Teachers of the Year.

Vandermeer is a 2022 Golden Apple Award recipient – which is given annually to a school’s top teacher as determined by students – has served as an English teacher at IDEA Center High School for six years. In addition to teaching, she is a classroom management and instructional coach, co-leads the Instructional Leadership Team, and has served as the English Department Chair. She also advises the Crochet and Knit Club and is an active member of the Maverick Care Committee, which supports staff well-being.

“(Kendra) is one of the most extraordinary people I have ever worked with,” said IDEA Center Principal David Napoleon. “As an exceptional English educator and Site Learning Specialist, Kendra embodies the qualities of an outstanding teacher—dedicated, innovative, and deeply committed to student success.”

McMurray is a CTE teacher who has served since 2002 at Mount Miguel High School, where he has played a pivotal role in the Matador Business Academy, guiding students through the school’s Virtual Enterprise program.

Throughout his tenure, he has taught a variety of subjects, including English, Photography, and Digital Art. A 2017 Golden Apple Award recipient, McMurray is also a frequent presenter on topics such as instructional design, media literacy, and the integration of artificial intelligence in education.

“Mick McMurray is not only an extraordinary teacher but also a remarkable human being,” said fellow Mount Miguel teacher James McFarland. “He exemplifies the very best of what we strive for in education.”

Vandermeer and McMurray will now be considered for the San Diego County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year Award, with winners to be announced later this school year.

(Courtesy images)