A JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER from Manteca Unified School District will be honored during the San Francisco 49ers preseason football game Saturday at Levi’s Stadium for his dedication to students.
Joseph Rasmussen, a teacher at Lathrop Elementary School, which serves students through eighth grade, was nominated by the vice principal at Walter Woodward Elementary School to be named as a “San Francisco 49ers’ Teacher of the Game.”
“This recognition is much deserved due to Mr. Rasmussen’s consistent willingness to go above and beyond for students,” Christopher Correia, vice principal for Walter Woodward Elementary School, said in a statement.
According to the district, Rasmussen was a former student at Lathrop Elementary and returned to the campus to be an educator and believes that education extends beyond a classroom, such as extracurricular activities.
“Mr. Rasmussen is always looking to improve student experiences,” stated the press release from the district. “He seizes every opportunity to help children build character, see the world with fresh eyes, and spark a love of learning that burns for years to come.”
Outside of the class setting, Rasmussen took his belief about outside activities playing a vital role in student growth and started an all-gender flag football league for elementary students throughout Manteca Unified.
The district said they have seen the teacher’s dedication to education through his initiative to create engaging weekly videos that highlight Lathrop Elementary’s accomplishments and the talents of its students and staff as well as advocating for hands-on learning experiences.
“Mr. Rasmussen’s advocacy for hands-on learning experiences led to the meticulous planning of a cross-country field trip to New York City and Washington, D.C.,” said the district. “While the task may have daunted others, Mr. Rasmussen was dedicated to raising funds and coordinating the logistics of the trip, knowing it would create an unforgettable and inspiring experience for students.”
Rasmussen is set to walk onto the field for his recognition during the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos preseason game that begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Past recipients of the San Francisco 49ers’ Teacher of the Game can be found at https://www.49ers.com/foundation/programs/teacher-of-the-game.