Richman Elementary School Teacher Surprised with $5,000 Award During Teacher Appreciation Week

In a moment filled with cheers, applause and surprise, Fullerton School District teacher Mike Shaffer was honored on May 6 at Richman Elementary School with $5,000 worth of physical education equipment and supplies from the SoCal Honda Dealers as part of their annual Helpful Honda Teacher Appreciation Awards.

Students and staff gathered as the “Helpful Honda People in Blue” made an unannounced visit to campus, surprising the PE teacher in front of the school community during Teacher Appreciation Week – a celebration dedicated to recognizing the impact of educators.

Shaffer, who teaches at Richman and Rolling Hills elementary schools, was selected as one of a handful of educators across Southern California to receive the award for his dedication to students.

“I started teaching so I could let kids know how important they are, be an adult that loves them and I hope they see that and feel that each and every day,” Shaffer said. “These kinds of honors are incredible, unique, rare and special and it absolutely wouldn’t be possible without the kids that we have here. I’m blown away and so, so thankful.”

Shaffer, who has been teaching in the District for the past 13 years, was nominated by a PTA parent and educational leader Mark Anderson, who emphasized his wide-reaching impact.

“If you know Mike Shaffer, you know how much heart and positivity he brings to everything he does – it’s kind of his superpower,” Anderson said. “At the end of the day, Mike isn’t just a great teacher, he’s the kind of person who makes a school feel like a community.” 

In addition to being a teacher and PTA dad, Shaffer partners with the Anaheim Ducks S.C.O.R.E. program to expand street hockey opportunities for students across the District and serves in leadership with Fullerton School District’s teacher induction program, also supporting La Habra and Buena Park schools, mentoring and supporting educators as they begin their careers.

Richman Elementary Principal Devi Sok praised Shaffer’s lasting impact on students and families.

“Coach Shaffer is the kind of educator who shows up for everyone – students, staff and families alike,” Sok said. “He brings energy, positivity and heart to everything he does, whether he’s coaching in the field, mentoring new teachers or volunteering as a parent. We’re so proud to see him recognized in this way.”

The Helpful Honda Teacher Appreciation Awards are presented annually during Teacher Appreciation Week, with the SoCal Honda Dealers surprising selected educators across the region with $5,000 in classroom supplies or wish list items.

For Shaffer, the recognition reflects what he values most about his role.

“These students mean a lot to me,” he said. “I love seeing their joy. That’s what gets me to work every day, and I’m so thankful for what I get to do.”