Vanee Smith-Matsalia, the 20-21 San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year, is a demonstration teacher and dedicated instructor of English at Curtis Middle School in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Ms. Smith-Matsalia works to design transformational professional development for educators in Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism, classroom engagement, English Instruction, and several other areas, as well as serving in multiple capacities of educational leadership within the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Vanee Smith-Matsalia also develops curriculum for thousands of students with the secondary education department and serves as a master teacher and mentor to teachers beginning in the profession. Her passion for student, teacher, and community growth is her north star. Ms. Smith-Matsalia deeply loves the community of San Bernardino, and cannot imagine a better place to serve.