We are excited to announce our Teacher of the Month for September 2025! Christl Perkins, a devoted Special Education teacher at Abraham Lincoln High School, is recognized for her steadfast commitment to her students, the school, and the wider community.
Ms. Perkins embodies the spirit of education by opening her classroom doors during lunch hours to offer tutoring in Algebra to students in need. Word quickly spreads about her generosity, attracting not only her Algebra students but also those seeking guidance in English Language Arts and Ethnic Studies.
Her students often say, “I can just hear Ms. Perkins listening to me,” which reflects her empathetic approach. As a strong advocate for her students, Ms. Perkins has played a crucial role in supporting individuals facing significant challenges. While teaching at San Francisco Academy at McAteer, she took the initiative to mentor a student who was dealing with an unstable living situation and was attending school only two days a week. She worked diligently to ensure that this student received the necessary support from their general education teacher.
Besides her teaching skills, Ms. Perkins is also a talented author of short stories and novels. When she attends writing conferences, her students admire her accomplishments and take pride in her commitment to writing
Furthermore, Ms. Perkins empowers her students by inviting them to share their creativity through video performances, be it of a musical piece or a heartfelt poem, and fostering a discussion around it. She makes it a point to reach out to families, celebrating students’ positive behaviors through phone calls and emails. Her expertise in classroom management makes her a valued resource for younger teachers seeking guidance.
Her deep commitment to her school is evident in her tireless work ethic. Ms. Perkins also maintains a close connection with families and employs engaging techniques to ignite her students’ interest, such as incorporating music or riddles into her lessons and offering crossword puzzles as fun challenges. With her exceptional ability to explain lessons, listen attentively, and mentor others, Ms. Perkins truly exemplifies the heart of a dedicated educator.
Meet other Teacher of the Month awardees, and nominate a special SFUSD teacher in your life.