Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Peach of a Teach: Broadway Continuation High School's M. Elizabeth Bliss was among this year's Teachers of the Year.




SJUSD harvests a bumper crop of top-notch teachers

Dedicated teachers help prepare their students for the biggest test: real life

By Chantal Lamers

San Jose Unified School District did it again. On May 11, teachers and administrators honored a Teacher of the Year from almost every one of its 30 campuses.

About 200 teachers, students and parents filled the district's board room. Teachers in the audience cheered each other on while receiving accolades for putting in the extra time to help students succeed.

Schallenburger Elementary School principal Carol Garcia said that each year teachers nominate and vote for the Teachers of the Year. The chosen ones are those who have gone above and beyond a teacher's call of duty, she said.

"There's no better judgment than from your peers," Garcia said. "I consider it a really high honor."

This year, Schallenburger resource teacher Jill Miller was named the school's Teacher of the Year. Miller runs the school's media center. Her colleagues call her their "computer guru."

Miller runs the school's accelerated reading program and connects with all 730 students at the school. During summer breaks, Miller works in the computer industry to keep the school up on technology trends.

M. Elizabeth Bliss, a counselor at Broadway Continuation High School, is known for helping students succeed through their individual styles. Bliss, a 31-year veteran of teaching, became a counselor because she realized how important it is to offer support to students based on their challenges and personal needs. Broadway students applauded her when she accepted her award as Broadway's Teacher of the Year.

She admits the job is demanding, but says it's well worth her time. It's a job that forces her to use her mind and her heart, she said.

Priscilla Parr was named Willow Glen Elementary School's Teacher of the Year. Her colleagues say she's everything they want a teacher to be--a teacher who keeps everyone else on their toes.

Parr said she enjoys watching her students grow. A teacher for 34 years, Parr said she focuses on giving students structure in today's crazy world.

Willow Glen High School teacher Kathryn Philip was honored for her 32-year dedication to students. Philip began teaching Advanced Placement courses in 1989.

Mary Howland was named River Glen Bilingual Immersion Program's Teacher of the Year for her significant contribution to students' success at the school.

Mike Hicks wasn't only named Lincoln High School's Teacher of the Year, he was also named the district's Teacher of the Year. His colleagues say he prepares students for life, not just for their AP exams, by being a mentor and a role model.

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