By Lou Ponsi

Leslie Whitaker, a third-grade teacher at Esencia Elementary School, maintains an open-door policy in her classroom. So, when administrators and members of the Board of Trustees from the Capistrano Unified School District began filing into her classroom on the morning of Jan. 25, the seasoned teacher wasn’t surprised.

When the stream of visitors seemed to be never ending, Whitaker knew something was up. Then a banner was displayed and the reason for the impromptu visit became clear: “Congratulations Leslie Whitaker, 2023 CUSD School Elementary Teacher of the Year.”

“This is unexpected to say the least,” said Whitaker as her students lined up to give her a hug.

Whitaker has taught at three CUSD schools and worked at district headquarters and at the Orange County Department of Education, where she helped develop curriculum. She has also served as a math coach for other teachers and developed curriculum for CUSD.

“The classroom community is really important for belonging and for me, they are my children for the year and I pour my heart and soul into them and I fight for every single one,” said Whitaker, who has been a district teacher since 1999.

Whitaker was also a state finalist for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science in 2020 and 2022.

“She is just so involved in every aspect with every teacher here on site and every student here on site,” Esencia Principal Greg Hauser said.

Whitaker’s motivation to pursue a teaching career stems in part from her own experience as a student. While she did well in her classes, Whitaker didn’t enjoy school much and always believed curriculums should be more engaging.

“I really wanted to support kids on all levels, academically, emotionally and socially,” Whitaker said. “I went into teaching because I wanted to be all parts. How do we make kids feel successful? How do we draw kids in? So that has been my purpose, to grow as a teacher and to help them grow.”

With the Teacher of the Year distinction, Whitaker, along with CUSD teachers of the year at the middle and high school levels, becomes a candidate for the Orange County Teacher of the Year awards, which will be announced in the spring by the Orange County Department of Education.

“The programs you offer students require talent that you obviously possess,” said Joy Schnapper, president of the Capistrano Unified Education Association. “The professionalism you have shown throughout your career as well as your dedication to students is to be commended. You have embraced this role of modeling and mentoring and molding the future.”

The other 2023 Teachers of the Year: 

CUSD Middle School Teacher of the Year: Yesenia Hogancamp

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