HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - On May 11th, Chris Young, a teacher at Ocean View High School (OVHS), was recognized as a National 180 Award recipient, being honored as the 2023 System 44 Outstanding Educator of the Year.

Each year, learning technology company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt selects students and educators to be recipients of the 180 Awards. For educators, these awards signify their dedication to the growth and success of their students, with a focus on helping them overcome both personal and academic obstacles.

The 180 Awards are divided into three categories, based upon demonstrated improvements in reading or math: Read 180, System 44, and Math 180. Mr. Young was recognized as one of four secondary educators under the System 44 category due to outstanding achievements in literacy within the classroom.

Chris Young has worked within the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) for 22 of his 24 years in education. He currently teaches at OVHS as a special education teacher and serves as the Department Coordinator for their IDEAS program, an inclusive program designed to support students with special needs on a comprehensive campus.

“Mr. Young is an incredible educator who deserves to be recognized for his outstanding teaching and support of our students,” exclaimed Doug Siembieda, HBUHSD Executive Director of Special Education. “His work within the System 44 program has supported many of our students to grow their literacy skills and their confidence in their academic abilities. It is people like Mr. Young who invest all of their energy into our students to make a difference in their quality of life. We are incredibly proud of Mr. Young for this recognition.”

Chris Young shared, “I am honored to receive this national award. Literacy intervention programs like System 44 are excellent in improving reading outcomes. I feel through the power of education, teachers can help open doors, hearts, and minds of students.”  

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is proud to have such an amazing educator as Chris Young teaching within our district. Because of his efforts and commitment to students, we know that academic perseverance and excellence will continue to thrive. Mr. Young is the epitome of an educator that stands for what the 180 Awards honor: it is never too late to open new doors to academic success.