Mission Viejo math teacher honored for outstanding efforts

Congratulations to Capistrano Valley High School teacher Candice Harrington for winning a $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

The Milken Family Foundation gives the awards to educators who meet their goals of furthering excellence in education. Candace is one of 40 teachers across the nation to be honored with this year’s Milken Educator Award. It’s an award this teacher epitomizes.

Harrington is known for her innovative teaching strategies and encouraging her students to believe in themselves. Years ago, she started a “Drive to Five” campaign in her AP Calculus class to push students to pass and strive for perfect scores on the AP test. To ensure students pay attention and actively learn, she introduces manipulatives, games and other engaging activities. Students excel by working in teams to solve difficult problems. Her strategies have paid off. In fact, over the past three years, 95 percent of Harrington’s students have passed the AP Calculus AB exam with an average score of 4.1 (out of 5).

Along with calculus, Harrington teaches math courses that build foundational skills and incorporates hands-on learning in every class. She also mentors student teachers, serves as an instructional coach for the district and lectures on mathematics methods at California State University, Fullerton. If that were not enough, Harrington coordinates Link Crew, a mentorship program for incoming first-year students, and advises the school newspaper, yearbook and California Scholarship Federation.

The City is grateful for the wonderful impact Harrington has on students and our community.