Colfax High grad earns national teacher award

Andrew Sindel, a mathematics teacher at Lee Vining High School in Mono County, was one of five recipients of the prestigious 2025 Carlston Outstanding Teachers of America award. Sindel grew up in Colfax and now lives in Lee Vining. He started his education at Auburn Montessori School, then attended Placer Hills, Sierra Hills, Weimar Hills, Colfax High School and UC Davis. Presented by the nonprofit organization Above & Beyond Teaching, the award recognizes exceptional public high school teachers who serve in California's most challenging school environments. Sindel and his fellow honorees – representing schools in Carpinteria, Mission Viejo, Riverside and Union City – will each receive a $10,000 cash award along with a $2,000 grant awarded to their schools in their name. The announcement of Sindel's award was to be formally recognized at an Eastern Sierra Unified School District Board meeting. Above & Beyond Teaching award recipients are nominated exclusively by former students who are either enrolled in or have graduated from four-year colleges and universities. Nominations were submitted mostly by first-generation college students who credit their high school teachers with inspiring their academic and personal success. The selection process is competitive and comprehensive. It includes interviews with up to 10 former students, the nominee's school principal, teaching colleagues, and the teacher themselves. Finalists are observed in their classrooms by Above & Beyond Teaching Executive Director Dr. Beverly Young to assess teaching style, engagement and impact. Former students nominating Sindel described him as a transformational educator whose high expectations, innovative teaching strategies and unwavering encouragement ignited their passion for learning. Many shared how his influence extended far beyond the classroom, instilling confidence and a belief in their own potential. "I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my mentors, colleagues and family," Sindel in response to receiving the award. "I have grown significantly as a teacher, and I remain committed to continuing to learn and improve my practice. I am honored to join this organization and am excited to support and empower early career teachers, just as others supported me." In addition to the award, Sindel and the other four 2025 honorees will join a distinguished group of 104 previous recipients as members of Above & Beyond Teaching's Board of Advisors. They will also participate in the organization's Teacher Leadership Academy and the annual Educational Symposium, which address pressing issues in California education and provide mentorship and professional development to early career educators across the state.