SAN DIEGO -- An Escondido middle school teacher was among five educators named Thursday as "California Teachers of the Year" by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell.

Alex Kajitani teaches mathematics at Mission Middle School in the Escondido Union Elementary School District.

"Alex Kajitani is an original thinker who teaches to a different beat, and it is due to his rather unorthodox approach that his math students seldom miss a beat either," O'Connell said.

"Alex, who is known as the rappin' mathematician, uses the strong beat of rap music to make math, as well as the world, more relevant to his students," O'Connell said. "He helps them learn in a way that is positive, engaging and lasting."

The five "California Teachers of the Year," as well as eight semifinalists, will be honored Feb. 9 at a dinner in Sacramento.

"I congratulate these five remarkable teachers for discovering though innovation and determination new ways to unlock the potential in each of their students," O'Connell said. "I thank them for providing the focus, the consistency, the considerable time and energy and most importantly for seeing the promise that each student possesses."

O'Connell will announce next week which of the five educators he will nominate to represent California in the "National Teacher of the Year" competition. The national winner will be selected in the spring and later honored at a ceremony at the White House.