Balboa Elementary School sixth grade teacher Narine Yapundjian has been selected as Glendale Unified School District’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Yapundjian will represent the District at this year’s Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition.

An alumna of Glendale Unified schools, Yapundjian has served the Glendale Unified community as an educator for more than a decade. In addition to being an exceptional teacher, she has demonstrated influence beyond the classroom as a mentor teacher and student advisor.

“Mrs. Yapundjian is known for her positive attitude and her tireless dedication to her students and our entire Balboa Elementary School community,” said Glendale Unified Board of Education President Nayiri Nahabedian. “Her deep love and commitment to her students truly shines.”

“Mrs. Yapundjian creates a student-centered classroom environment where every child actively engages in learning,” added Glendale Unified Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian. “Every day, she goes above and beyond to foster a culture of care and find meaningful ways to connect with every child in her classroom.”

Each year, Glendale Unified selects an outstanding educator to advance to the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition. Nominees are submitted by administrators and educators from across the district. Selections typically alternate between teachers at the elementary and secondary levels.

Finalists in this year’s GUSD Teacher of the Year are Matthieu Hamo, Glenoaks Elementary School, Rebecca Lopez, Columbus Elementary School, Celeste Maeshiro, Lincoln Elementary School and Kelly Schroeder, Mountain Avenue Elementary School.