Teacher of the Year

Posted: 2/08/19

Our college newspaper the LMC Experience posted this article on Cecil Nasworthy about his passing and his legacy.


 

LMC Professor, Cecil Nasworthy, honored as “Teacher of the Year”

Cecil with student

Cecil Nasworthy
Teacher of the Year Cecil Nasworthy

On September 27, Professor Cecil Nasworthy was one of 22 educators honored by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) at its 2018-19 “Teacher of the Year” Gala.  Professor Nasworthy, who teaches Industrial Technology in the Electrical & Instrumentation Technology (ETEC) Program at Los Medanos College (LMC), was selected to represent Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) at this annual event.

California established its “Teachers of the Year” program to: recognize educational innovation; highlight student learning; underscore the rewards of teaching; foster educator excellence; and promote the positive aspects of the state’s education system.  CCCOE directs the Contra Costa County award, which is open to all public school teachers – from pre-kindergarten through college. 

A full-time instructor at LMC for eight years, Professor Nasworthy was nominated by his colleagues in recognition of not only his teaching skills in the classroom, but also his tireless efforts to serve the workforce development needs of Contra Costa County.  “Over the last ten years, his flagship CTE program in Electrical & Instrumentation Technology has placed scores of local residents into careers with family-sustaining wages that change the lives of its graduates,” noted David Wahl, Program Manager for Workforce & Economic Development at LMC.  “Professor Nasworthy is a model for all teachers seeking robust partnerships with local business and industry as a strategy to support student success.”

Cecil with studentUpon accepting his award, Professor Nasworthy was asked to comment on who made the biggest mark on his teaching career.  “It’s been a long story,” he said.  “I attended vocational technical school back in Georgia, where Peter Gunn was a great instructor who got me started in the electronics field and got me on the right path.  Shortly after I graduated, they hired me to come back to teach.  And, I’ve been teaching ever since.”

Professor Nasworthy was joined by his wife, Ria, and other family members.  Among those in attendance to celebrate Professor Nasworthy: Dr. Fred Wood, Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District; Mr. Greg Enholm, CCCCD Governing Board Member; Ms. Jocelyn Villalobos, CCCCD Student Trustee; Dr. Bob Kratochvil, President of LMC; Ms. Susan Lamb, President of Diablo Valley College; and a host of LMC colleagues, former students, and community partners.  “We are very proud that Cecil was recognized for his many years of teaching, as he has had a tremendous influence on so many LMC students,” said President Kratochvil.  “When I first talked to Cecil several months ago about this award, he told me that it is the biggest honor of his career – and, an outstanding career it has been.  LMC’s campus community is so appreciative of all his work on behalf of our students.”

Congratulations to Professor Nasworthy for this well-deserved recognition!