Diane Bonjour Named County Teacher of the Year

Serrano Middle School science teacher Diane Bonjour has dedicated her career to improving the lives of her students by igniting in them a love for learning. On Sept. 17, Bonjour was named San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year, an accolade that surprised the veteran educator. Serrano Middle School Principal Arwyn Wild, who nominated Bonjour for the coveted honor, described her as a teacher’s teacher. “She’s very passionate, and she’s involved in the lives of every student here,” Wild said. “Diane does so much. She is a mentor, a leader. For her, it’s all about the students.” Bonjour is one of three teachers in San Bernardino County to receive the honor. The three were nominated by their individual districts and reviewed by a panel of county administrators who made the final selections. This year’s award recipients will compete in the California Teacher of the Year event, which will announce its award recipients in the fall. Bonjour has taught at Serrano Middle School for three years and previously taught at Arrowview Middle School. She knew at the early age of 4 that she would become a teacher. “Teaching has and always will be my passion,” Bonjour said. “I love teaching today as much as I did when I first started 18 years ago.” San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden said Diane embodies the positive passion that motivates students to excel in school and in life. “Diane strives to engage students, and she has the ability to inspire them in a way that ignites the flame of learning,” Marsden said. “Teachers like Diane make a world of a difference, not just for students but also for families and our entire community.”