Once a month, Donna McCallister, a language-arts teacher at George Fox Middle School in Pasadena, throws an event after school for her students and their parents.

In October they carved pumpkins into book characters such as Harry Potter. Another time they swapped 2,000 used books. The activities help parents feel welcome at George Fox, and get them to spend time learning with their children, McCallister said.

That dedication to her students, parents and school is one of the reasons why on Thursday night she won the county Public School Teacher of the Year award.

"She's a perfect role model for all teachers, with her...