Every year, teachers nominate candidates for the Escalon Unified Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The nominations are reviewed by a committee and a teacher is selected and presented with an award at either El Portal Middle School’s promotion ceremony or the EHS senior graduation ceremony. This year, the award was presented to Susan ‘Sue’ Heflin, announced by the school district as there were no formal promotion or graduation ceremonies.

Heflin was chosen as the outstanding certificated employee, the ‘2020 Outstanding Teacher of the Year’ for the district.

“I am currently teaching third grade at Van Allen. I have been teaching for 34 years, and I still love my job. It is a privilege to work with so many amazing teachers, students and families here in Escalon,” Heflin said. “The upcoming school year will definitely be a challenge, but that is what I love about teaching. Every year brings new challenges, new opportunities for learning, and new opportunities for growth for us all.”

Heflin has served the students and community at both Dent Elementary and Van Allen Elementary schools for over 22 years; and started her career teaching in Turlock.

Comments from her peers include: “Sue is constantly looking to better herself as an educator. She seeks out training to attend any chance she can get …” Another teacher shared: “Sue has dedicated her career to the students of our district and is a truly amazing educator.”

She has long advocated for teacher training from the UC Davis Math Project and has been instrumental in working with the district to make it happen.

She was described as “an excellent example of a fantastic teacher” who makes a huge difference in children’s lives.