Templeton High School teacher Tyler LaSalle was one of five special educators in San Luis Obispo County to be honored with the Golden Apple Award by the Special Education Local Plan Area Community Advisory Committee, a group of parents and professionals representing the special needs of students in the county.

LaSalle, who received an undergraduate degree and a teaching credential from Cal Poly and has taught special education at THS for three years, was one of five recipients who were recognized with awards for their exceptional contributions in their efforts to help support and educate students with special needs.

“I was very surprised to be honored by the parents of my students,” he said. “I think I appreciate it even more because sometimes special education kids don’t get as many accolades or as much recognition for their achievements as other students and, in some way, this is recognition for my students who feel they have benefited from the educational services I have provided them as a teacher. I hope that I have been able to help them achieve success by helping them out.”

THS assistant principal John Calanto commended LaSalle for his steadfast commitment to special education students and a standard of excellence he brings to his job as a teacher.

“I think it’s wonderful that Tyler has been honored with this award for special educators,” he said. “Tyler is an excellent special education teacher who cares deeply about the students and really works to make them become independent learners. We love having him around here. He is always willing to help out and give personal attention to every student that he has.”

LaSalle was honored along with Jennifer Dinielli of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, Susan Hoag and Lori Betz of the Lucia Mar Unified School District and T.C. Flynn of the SLO County Office of Education.

Parents of children with special needs nominated a special educator who has made a significant difference in the lives of their children. This is the 10th annual presentation of the award.