Orange Coast College Professor of Biology Kelli Elliott has been named a 2024 Teacher of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Elliott was one of six instructors selected for this honor from 62 nominees.
“I was shocked when I received the award yesterday during my class,” Elliott said. “I feel overwhelmed with the honor, but I am deeply grateful for being chosen to represent OCDE's Community College Teacher of the Year.”
The award is given to fully credentialed teachers and professors in K-12 and community colleges with at least eight years of teaching experience. Nominees must also be assigned to teach students in the 2023-24 academic year.
OCDE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes gave Elliott the award in a surprise presentation during her class at OCC. She now has the opportunity to be selected as the California State Teacher of the Year.
“We are immensely proud of Professor Kelli Elliott’s recognition as the 2024 Orange County Community College Teacher of the Year.” OCC President Dr. Angelica Suarez said. “Professor Elliot’s commitment to empowering and inspiring students to experience “the wonder of nature” (as she describes) is symbolic of her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and student success.”
Elliott began at OCC in 2004 and is currently the area's Biology department chair and scheduler. In addition to teaching Biology classes for Biology majors and as an elective, she Leads ecology field trips to the Mojave Desert, providing students with hands-on experimental data collection experience and direct observational experience of desert species. She holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University and a master's from California State University Fullerton.
“My family, friends, and colleagues are the most amazing and collaborative people who have always encouraged me to continue to grow and be my best,” Elliott said. “The support I've received from everyone has allowed me to help students develop skills to be field biologists and learn to be mindful of the beautiful, natural world we all depend on. I'm so fortunate that I get to share my passion for ecology as my career.
As a biology and environmental science professor at Orange Coast College, Kelli Elliott is dedicated to creating immersive and memorable classroom experiences for her students.
“This idea is a core belief of my teaching and embodies one of the greatest rewards I find in teaching: getting to know my students both as learners and as individuals,” Elliott said. “I care deeply about my students and want them to feel respected.”