The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Cathy Head's English classes are set up in a circle. The SHS teacher was named Teacher of the Year by her peers in the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District.

SHS English teacher awarded Teacher of the Year honors

By Michelle Alaimo

Saratoga High School English teacher Cathy Head has been chosen as this year's Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District Teacher of the Year.

SHS principal Kevin Skelly describes Head as a "caring, decent person," and is not the least bit surprised that Head was chosen for the honor by her peers.

"She is incredibly passionate about teaching," Skelly said. "She's a real talent."

English Department chairwoman Gene-vieve Palace echoed Skelly's comments.

"Whatever magic she works, the students know what they've learned, and they appreciate it," Palace said.

Head teaches ninth-grade English and 12th-grade advanced-placement English. "I get them coming in and going out," Head said. "It's wonderful to see how they have grown."

With more than 20 years of teaching under her belt--nearly half at SHS--Head said the award is a tremendous honor.

She was chosen for the award after being nominated by the faculty and staff at SHS. A panel of the past three teachers of the year, along with the administrative staff, then reviewed the nominations.

Skelly said Head is a great teacher, great thinker and a mentor. He added that her classroom is organized in a way that makes her an equal to her students. "The classroom is set up in a circle and she sits in a student desk as well."

Says Head: "English affords the greatest opportunity to reach kids." She added that she feels like she is reaching her students and not just teaching subject matter.

Head not only tries to make the classroom experience exciting and interesting, she is also available to her students beyond the academic curriculum.

"I will listen with all my heart," Head said. The students really appreciate her, Palace said.

The Teacher of the Year award has been given for more than 30 years in the district. Head's name has been added to a plaque at each school. She was also honored at the district's Sept. 1 board meeting.

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