Watsonville teacher to be honored by White House as “Champion of Change”

A long-time teacher at a Watsonville charter school is being honored at the White House Monday as a “Champion of Change.”

Patricia Cortez of Salinas has taught at is Alianza Elementary School for 18 years. Alianza is a charter school with a two-way bilingual immersion program.

Cortez is among several educators who will be honored Monday in connection with Hispanic Heritage Month.

According to federal officials, the Champions of Change program “was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.”