CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS

Every spring the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrates the Carlsbad Business Achievement & Distinction (CBAD) Awards, honoring the businesses, organizations, and leaders that make an extraordinary impact in the Carlsbad community.

This year, two of Sage Creek High School’s finest, English teacher Shannon Alberts and Principal Josh Way, were honored on March 13 at the annual CBAD luncheon at the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa.

Shannon Alberts

With 12 years of dedicated service at Sage Creek, Shannon Alberts is not only one of the most respected and well-regarded educators on campus but also one of the two founders of Sage Creek’s flagship instructional initiative, the Genius Project.

“Ten years ago I went to an Ed Camp with my fellow teacher, Corrie Myers, and that's where the Genius Project was born,” reports Ms. Alberts. “The three-pronged program challenges students (1) to investigate a passion or curiosity, (2) to learn how to do something or study a new topic, and (3) to make an impact by producing a tangible or virtual product.”

The students’ year-long passion projects of research and exploration culminate in either a “Ted Talk” speech or a smaller discussion about their projects. The projects provide students with unique learning opportunities while leaving lasting impacts on local and global communities. Some students taught robotics virtually to young learners in Vietnam, others led a nationwide business camp at Municipal Clothing, some organized backpack shipments to students in Kenya, and created custom spice blends to raise funds for youth athletic equipment.

“All SCHS students participate in the Genius Project during their junior and senior English course,” says SCHS principal Josh Way. “Mrs. Alberts believes that channeling each student’s passion into meaningful academic work dramatically increases engagement and ownership of learning. Students love her classes because they are both challenged and genuinely valued.”

Ms. Alberts is a leader—as a teacher, as an advisor to multiple student clubs, and as a presenter for the California Reading and Literacy Project through UC San Diego. She provides professional development on literacy strategies to fellow educators at Sage Creek and throughout San Diego County.

Before coming to SCHS Ms. Alberts taught in Capistrano Unified for 10 years. She says that she “learned how to teach” at the UCI Reading and Literature Project.

Mrs. Alberts and her husband, a wildlife biologist, have two boys, the older a SCHS freshman and the younger a fifth-grader at Poinsettia Elementary School. They all love to be outside, to camp, and to play sports.

“I have always needed to connect to people, to take care and nurture them—and that’s what this career has given to me,” says Mrs. Alberts. “I am in the human business first, so I always try to see the person sitting in front of me as someone else’s whole world. If I remember that, even on my hardest day, I can remember to handle with care.”

Dr. Josh Way

“When I arrived at SCHS in 2023, I had heard so many great things about it—so many innovative programs—I wondered how to make a great school even better. I soon realized that one way was to reach out to let the community know that there's another amazing high school with amazing students and staff who are doing amazing things.

Another way was to ask community and industry leaders, “What skills and attributes do your employees need, and how can we provide that right training for our students?” Under Dr. Way’s leadership, Sage Creek’s signature programs—the Biomedical Pathway, Engineering Pathway, and Genius Projects—continue to flourish and evolve. Students can now take an on-campus Biomedical Pathway course that offers MiraCosta College credit—a first for CUSD—and the Engineering Pathway is adding Digital Electronics to align with industry needs.

One of the essential elements of Dr. Way’s leadership style is empowering others. “SCHS is a community of diverse learners,” he says. “If I can create the conditions for students to thrive, it can grow exponentially.”

“The heart of Dr. Way’s success is his ability to build authentic relationships,” says Dr. Michael Ecker, Director, Secondary Education. “He leads by listening and elevating the ideas of others. Many of Sage Creek’s most impactful programs began because Dr. Way had encouraged a student’s vision, supported a teacher’s initiative, or partnered with a community member. His leadership empowers others to innovate and contribute to the school’s growth.”

Born in Chula Vista and raised in Fallbrook, Dr. Way has lived in Calavera for 20 years. “I’m honored to be part of the Sage Creek community,” he says, “and I'm so proud to be part of the Calavera community. It means the world to me.”

Dr. Way has two sons—a seventh grader at Calavera Hills Middle School and a 10th grader at Sage Creek. Dr. Way has a passion for music: he and his three younger brothers have a rock and reggae band—the Way Brothers—where he sings back-up and plays rhythm guitar. He also loves surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, acting, dancing, theater, and reading and writing on education topics. Even more, he coaches his son's Little League team. Dr. Way believes in always challenging yourself so you can grow. “Squeeze from the bottom of the toothpaste tube up,” he recommends.

“These kids are gonna save us,” says Dr. Way. “We need to listen to them. And let them lead us.”

Further Recognitions

Also recognized was Aaron Sottile—also named as the Project Lead the Way Teacher of the Year in the fall—as CBAD Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Other Carlsbad Unified nominees were Diana Salazar-Garcia, Buena Vista Elementary School; Traci Kogler, Aviara Oaks Middle School; and Tom Bloomquist, Carlsbad High School.

The CBAD Awards remain one of the Chamber’s premier annual events, spotlighting the businesses and professionals who contribute to Carlsbad’s thriving economy and vibrant community culture.

“These educators are so impressive,” says Bret Schanzenbach, President & CEO of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “It is always so difficult to do the Education Awards as all teachers are so deserving. And we are blessed with very passionate teachers and administrators in Carlsbad. We at the Chamber are honored to bring this recognition to these wonderful professionals.”