Ellen Lahlum
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
School: Camarena Enrique S. Elementary School
School District: Chula Vista Elementary School District
City, State: Chula Vista, CA
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Ellen Lahlum was nominated by parent of a student, Tia Ducich.
Mrs. Lahlum is an exceptional teacher. With a sincere commitment to each of her students' success, she creates critical thinkers and future community leaders. Ducich's daughter had the honor of having Mrs. Lahlum as her teacher and has witnessed first-hand how her teaching style ignites interest, creativity, & excitement to learn.
"She is a true advocate for her students, from navigating an IEP to knowing how to progress a GATE student," said Ducich. "Parents can sometimes feel overwhelmed, but with Mrs. Lahlum's support and guidance, we are given tools and feel assured our children will reach their full potential. She truly understands the importance of differentiating teaching."
A passionate teacher, Mrs. Lahlum's reach extends beyond the classroom. She coaches Camarena's triumphant Robotics team, leads the school's Speech Contest, and assists in the school's Spelling Bee. She is also often seen at after-school activities, whether it be a students' sporting event or award ceremony. Mrs. Lahlum is always there to recognize her students achievements and cheer them on.
"She is an exemplary leader to our students, their parents, and our entire community," Ducich said.
Mrs lahlum you are the best teacher and the best guide your student dominik raunch
I had the wonderful privilege of having Ellen as my master teacher. While in her second grade classroom at Casillas, I learned to appreciate each child, encourage them, motivate them, and do whatever was necessary to help them grow as learners and people. Ellen was constantly challenging her students. They had great respect for her and knew that she was looking out for their best interests. She was doing the same for me. I grew so much as an educator under her care. I took the skills she showed me and took them with me into my first classroom. I knew she was only a phone call or house visit away if I needed advice, a strategy, or just someone to listen. I have fond memories of my time working with Ellen and still have a picture of her and I on my first day in her classroom. Thank you for all you've done Ellen!
There simply are no words that could express what Mrs. Lahlum has done for my son. My son was an eyewitness to a tragic event prior to attending her class. Due to the unfortunate events that took place, I knew that he would not be the same child for quite sometime. He was introduced with Mrs. Lahlum in 4th/5th grade (as a combo class) and from the very start she treated him with GRACE. She understood his moodiness, anger, and sadness and helped him push through. Prior to attending her class he excelled in everything he did and was lost somehow in a multitude of emotions that didn't allow him to progress academically or socially. Mrs. Lahlum helped him gently find his way back. She sees the potential in EVERY CHILD no matter the challenge. He remain in her 5th grade class so they could progress in trusting each other. We collaborated and at times it felt like I was drowning but she reassured me and HIM. No reward would be great enough for what Mrs. Lahlum has given me, and that is having a smiling, happy, BRIGHT boy again.
My child has had Mrs Lahlum as her teacher for two years. A year as a 4th grader in 4th/5th grade combo class and now another year in 5th grade. Mrs Lahlum has been my child's prefered and best teacher. Mrs Lahlum has kept my child engaged and learning where previously she was often bored in school when instruction was catered to lesser performing students. I agree with a previous comment that Mrs Lahlum is always to be found at school. She clearly is very dedicated to teaching and I am very impressed with her as a teacher.
Ellen Lahlum is an inspiration to all. She is an amazing mom, teacher, and mentor. I had the privilege of working with Ellen Lahlum as her student teacher in a large urban school in an impoverished area with limited resources and crowded classrooms. Every day, Ellen faced issues such as poverty, homelessness, language barriers and family factors—issues that could have negatively impacted her students’ propensities to learn. I witnessed first hand Ellen’s commitment to every student in her classroom. From conducting weekly home visits to helping her students’ parents with laundry and groceries and to providing endless after school tutoring, Ellen did it all for her students. She did it all! Today, Ellen continues to do whatever it takes to support her students in and out of the classroom. She is a passionate teacher, one who continues to make a difference in the lives of children and teachers every single day. I am so blessed and honored to know such a remarkable person—a lifechanger!
I met Mrs. Lahlum through joining my first robotics team as a sixth grader while I was lost, searching for my niche in a brand new school. Immediately after joining, I was taken under her wing and I found a place where I felt at home. Though I never had the opportunity to be one of her actual students, she is one of those teachers that I will never forget. Now as a high school student, she remains one of my main motivations to return to mentor and inspire her current robotics studentsa. She continues to encourage me to find a career path in STEM that I enjoy.
She's an amazing person, and she always pushes students to be the best that they can be, whether they are her current students, those who have graduated and are exploring the world, or anywhere in between. She always does her best to teach valuable life lessons, and reach out, touching the hearts of every student she encounters in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Lahlum is an excellent nominee for this award. She puts in so much extra time and effort to give her students every opportunity she can, supporting them though thick and thin. I am very proud to say that I have been one of the many students she has inspired from her 20 years of teaching. She is an amazing person who strives to make our future generations better people. Thank you for everything you do, Mrs. Lahlum!
I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of learning from Ellen. Although, she wasn’t my assigned guide teacher, she still took me under her wing and treated me as such. Even after I graduated, she still opened up her classroom and her time to help me as I prepared to start my first year teaching. Years later, and she still continues to help me.
Ellen is a unique teacher. She devotes her entire heart to the profession and does not hesitate when it comes to helping someone one. She is always willing to go the extra mile. She is definitely an inspiration to us all.
Mrs. Lahlum is exactly what this award is about: a life changer. We had the privilege of having her as Shawn’s teacher for 2 years. She is an amazing teacher whose passion for teaching is evident in the way she makes learning a fun and positive experience. She had made a monumental impact on my son’s educational growth and for building his confidence in himself that I know will carry him throughout his academic journey. Because of Mrs. Lahlum, my son’s life has been changed for good! We are grateful and immensely blessed to have her!
Ms. Lahlum is an excellent choice for this award. My son was in her 2017-2018 4th/5th combo class as well as in her Robotics program for the last 2 years. She has high expectations of her students and pushes them to achieve their maximum potential. She creates a learning environment that is stimulating, challenging, and fun. Not only is she passionate about her work but about her students as well. She often stays late either planning lessons or supporting her students. Being in her class and in her Robotics program has been an incredible blessing for my son. Ms. Lahlum is his favorite teacher by far. We're so thankful for her!
Some people on this planet where born to be educators, motivators & Selfless humans that seem to always have the best interests in others success. Mrs. Lahlum is one of those rare breeds. We were fortunate enough to have her mold the mind of our daughter Jessie while she attended Casillas Elementary. My work schedule at the time allowed me to sit in the class and witness the skills and connection Mrs. Lahlum executed on a daily bases. I’m very happy that we were able to have a Teacher with her abilities take part in our child’s development. We all know how crucial those early years are in forming the minds of our kids. The impact Teachers have on kids can determine how the rest of their educational journey plays out. So as parents were very thankful for all the hard work and dedication Mrs. Lahlum puts into the future of this Country.
Love ms Lahlum she has always been a great teacher and friend
I worked with Ellen from 2005-2009 at Joseph Casillas Elementary School. It was my first stint as a school principal. I have vivid recollections of visits to Ellen's room. She was "doing" student led learning with 4-5 grade students before student led was something people were embracing. Her students had fun and worked hard. They learned in conventional and unconventional ways. Ellen is one of those rare people who can combine rigor and student choice. I am happy to add my endorsement for this award.
I am Ellen's mother-in-law and I can personally attest to her passion for teaching and her students. One only needs to engage her in a conversation about her classroom to see her face light up like a 5 year old on Christmas morning. I am often astounded at the long hours she puts into her teaching and interaction with her students. This is clearly not a job to her but a profession.
Mrs. Lahlum was my sixth grade teacher, during the 2006-2007 school year. While in her 5th/6th grade combo class she encouraged my creativity, and helped me flourish in a positive classroom environment. I distinctly remember her passion for learning and providing each of us the tools we needed to not only succeed academically but to grow as individuals. She pushed every single one of us to our full potential, and that took countless hours in and outside of the classroom. Those efforts made an impression to last.
In the years to come I found myself coming back to her classroom to help out, and participate in the annual “haunted house” she put on. One thing I will always remember is the surprise of her attending my high school graduation back in 2013. Last year, I finished my last year of undergraduate education and I look back at the years of my childhood and can wholeheartedly say the greatest teacher I ever had was Mrs. Lahlum. It’s no surprise that this recognition comes at a time like this, when great educators are directly faced with current socio-political challenges. Mrs. Lahlum is truly a selfless and remarkable woman, and one I have the greatest honor and privilege of knowing. She deserves the world!
As I worked to earn my teaching credential, I had the pleasure of being Ellen Lahlum’s student teacher. That experience has help mold me into the educator I am today. I was able to see the dedication and love not only for teaching, but for each of her students first hand. Her passion for educating her students not only makes her an amazing teacher, but also inspires teaches around her, like myself, to become better at what we do in the classroom everyday. I know that she has changed the life of each student that she has taught, including myself, and all other student teachers that she has helped guide and prepare to become educators. I am honored to call her a colleague and a friend.
YES! Mrs. Lahlum would be an exceptional choice for this award. She expertly challenges her students to reach their highest potential both academically and socially. Under her tutelage, students learn to work and push each other to think "outside-the-box" to create and achieve their academic goals. We were so blessed to have our son in her class.
I was so delighted to see this nomination because I can't think of a more deserving teacher. When my daughter started with Mrs Lahlum after changing schools she was far behind where she needed to be in Math. Despite great marks in other subjects she lacked the confidence to even really give the subject a real try. I noticed a change almost immediately and it didn't take long before Mrs. Lahlum scheduled time for us to talk about a plan to get her on track. That plan even included a willingness to devote her own time beyond the classroom hours and her methods worked!!!! Now my daughter is an active contributor in math discussion, she confidently works through her problems and most importantly she will quickly ask for help when needed because she knows her teacher is responsive and supports her success.
I won't stop there. She regularly provided lessons for her students to be good people that are kind, helpful and considerate using a humor that pulls the kids in and makes them want to be better people.
I honestly can't imagine a more deserving teacher. My daughter is just one of many success stories. A day or two spent observing her class and it becomes clear that her students flourish in her class. They even gather around her when given the opportunity in a way I haven't experienced since visiting the classrooms of much younger children just starting school. She epitomizes the term Lifechanger.
Mrs Lahlum is the greatest teacher! My daughter did not like math so much but through Mrs Lahlum teaching now Sofia loves math and sees it in her daily life. In a short time she has made an impact in her life. This honor is well deserved!!
Ms. Lahlum was my daughter’s teacher for two years. Mr. Lahlum pushes all class to higher limit. My daughter not only improves in acamadic, but also learns to be a responsible person. We are blessed to have Ms. Lahlum in school. We wish our son have opportunity to be in her class.
I volunteer at the school and I love to see Mrs. Lahlum, around always with her students, she does a lot for them to make sure they succeeded. She also has afterschool programs to keep the children and engaged...
Mrs. Lahlum is definitely an inspiration to us all. She puts all the children's needs first. My daughter has the pleasure in knowing Mrs. Lahlum in Robotics and has learned so much from her. She doesn't go unnoticed and we thank you for being you!
There's no better prize than people's recognition, you are already a winner. Thank you for all you have done with the students.
One of the greatest child advocates I have the pleasure of knowing has been nominated for a prestigious award. Without fail, I can drive by the school on any given day and see her car still parked in the lot and her classroom light on long after everyone else has gone. She optimizes giving of herself to others only asking for your best in return. It is my great pleasure to consider this woman a friend.
Mrs. Lahlum was my second, fourth, and fifth grade teacher, and her teaching practices have changed my life! She was the first teacher that really challenged me to be a critical thinker, and to see learning in a different way. Primary education can seem to fall under the banking concept, but when I think of her class, I see how she really developed us as people and encouraged us to think outside the box, rather than just cookie cutter students to get the "right" answer. From having bean bags to clipboards to cool science experiments, she made learning so fun!
Now as a senior at UC Berkeley, I can attest that she was one of the teachers that have been the most memorable and influential in making education such a joy and privilege. I'm proud and honored to learn that she was nominated for this award, because I know that she will give the award back to the people she loves the most- her students.
Mrs. Lahlum was my son’s teacher for two consecutive years. I have witnessed how my son was challenged & learned. Mrs. Lahlum is passionate teacher. She cares for her students (past or present). I know this because even to this day that my son is no longer attends her class, she meets with him along with his clasmates and Mrs. Lahlum continues to make time for them even after school hours.
Mrs. lahlum assess her students well and provides them and the parents with great feedback to ensure that her student succeed on their studies. My son respects her so much and idolizes her style of teaching.
Mrs. Lahlum, thank’s for your sincere dedication. You are not just a teacher to my son but also have become a great mentor. You truly deserve to be applauded & recognized in what you do.
My daughter Talia started fourth grade in Mrs. Lahlum’s class with a different grade level as far as testing goes. But she pushed and pushed and Talia went from the lowest to highest. What a year of an accomplishment to Talia and Mrs. Lahlum!! Talia loved Mrs. Lahlum, she would help her on weekends clean her classroom, move books and just help her in anyway she can. Talia would even help her before school started in the morning. Mrs. Lahlum brought back the excitement of learning to Talia. My husband I still talk about that year. How Mrs. Lahlum helped Talia and in the end with the Ca test scores it sure showed!! Wow!! Talia is now in 7th grade and doing the best she can and the best way she knows how. We need more Mrs. Lahlum’s in the world!! She is so awesome in so many ways!! And I don’t know how she does it but she does it with a smile. And she is always there for her students and parents. Thank you Mrs. Lahlum you totally deserve this!!!
Mrs. Lahlum has inspire my daughter Anais Martinez in so many ways she is s very caring teacher and always goes above and beyond. My daughter tells me she is one of her best teacher she has have. Thank you Mrs. Lahlum for always caring for your kids and inspiring my daughter.
As a parent to one of her Robitic’s Team members, I have experienced Mrs. Lahlum’s passion for teaching first hand. She is not only involved in helping the kids reach their maximum academic potential, but also their potential as compassionate, helpful members of our community. She encourages them to improve in all aspects of their lives, Mrs Lahlum is definitely an exceptional teacher!
Mrs Lahlum is like no other teacher out there, let alone human being. I was lucky enough to have her for 3 years throughout Elementary school and was able to learn so much from her, not only about material taught in the class room but about life in general. She puts her 110% into her students and spends countless hours outside of the classroom preparing for the next lesson plans or the next robotics competition. Mrs. Lahlum is always willing to do whatever she can to make her she sees her students succeed and her passion for teaching won’t go unnoticed. At times she’s hard on her students but it’s only because she sees potential and room for growth within them.I was blessed to have her as my teacher and 14 years later, to still have her in my life.
Mrs. Lahlum's dedication and enthusiasm for education is inspiring. Her commitment to her students and their potential is superlative. She is truly helping to make the world a better place by helping our children to be the best they can be.
I very much appreciate the nomination. The Ducich family is very considerate and supportive of their children, and of course I have met them myself as I do a great many families of my wife students. The Ducich's are in a long line of classroom families Ellen has supported and befriended over the years. She certainly goes way above and beyond for all her students, a fact I can personally verify. We continue to get visits and invitations to family events from former students, even students that are now in college and beyond, a testimony to how Ellen has impacted the lives of so many of her students.
