Teacher of the Year Ky-Phong Paul Tran

We are thrilled to announce Ky-Phong Paul Tran as the Long Beach Unified School District 2024-25 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Tran teaches English and Film at Renaissance High School for the Arts.

Mr. Tran’s journey from a North Long Beach student to a celebrated educator is inspiring. He faced many challenges growing up in a refugee family with limited English skills. Reflecting on his past, Tran shared, “I know firsthand the struggles of figuring out homework and translating for my parents. My family and I were refugees from the Vietnam War, and at one point, I didn’t have the life I have now.”

Despite these early obstacles, Tran pursued higher education, becoming a first-generation college graduate with degrees from UCLA and two master’s degrees. He’s also a published writer whose work has been featured in national magazines and newspapers, and he has earned several prestigious writing fellowships. He attributes his success to the education he received from LBUSD.

“I wanted to give back to the community and the district that did so much for me,” Tran said. “I work with students from similar backgrounds who might be written off or seen as ‘unteachable.’ These students love reading and writing and dream of attending college and seeing the world.”

One of Tran’s proudest achievements is the Yen and Dung Tran Author Reading Series, named in honor of his parents. This program invites nationally recognized authors to Renaissance High School to interact with students, allowing them to meet successful writers and showcase their work. Tran is especially proud of seeing students “wait in line to get autographs from their classmates.”

Superintendent Jill Baker praised Mr. Tran’s dedication: "Congratulations to Mr. Ky-Phong Tran on this incredible recognition! He exemplifies our Vision 2035 Adult Portrait. His unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering creativity and supporting all students’ dreams aligns perfectly with our Core Values of Centering Student Needs and Voice, Authentic Community Engagement and Collaboration and a Culture of Innovation and Creativity.”

She added, “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Tran. His passion and dedication inspire students to reach for their dreams and remind us all that through hard work and care for others, the unimaginable can become possible.”

In his classroom, Mr. Tran celebrates each student's unique story. “Diversity is not just acknowledged; it is celebrated,” he said. “For my students, their cultures and life stories are the fuel for their success.” His inclusive approach and dedication to creating a supportive learning environment profoundly impact his students and reflect our district’s commitment to excellence and equity.

Ky-Phong Tran’s career is a shining example of how education, perseverance and giving back can change lives. His work at Renaissance High School for the Arts advances our Creating a Better Future Together strategic plan and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders, creators and changemakers.