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tion Jack O’Connell as Califor- nia Teachers of the Year. We asked them to share the secrets of their success. California Teachers of the Year provide inspiration F ive CTA members were selected by state Superin- tendent of Public Instruc- Darin Curtis Curtis’ mantra is: “Noth- ing will affect students’ fu- ture happiness and success in life more than a healthy life- style.” He practices what he preaches as an eighth-grade physical education teacher at Tierra del Sol Middle School in Lakeside. A member of the Lakeside Teachers Association, Curtis describes himself as a teacher and coach who acts as a “mo- t ivator” to keeps students moving, engaged and health- conscious. “I find a sense of humor is a must, because your smile lasts longer than your lesson.” He emphasizes practicing skills every day instead of just focusing on tests at the end of a unit. “I am also pre- paring students to be inde- pendent learners each day forward,” he says. “I continu- ally challenge students by es- tablishing high expectations, building their self-confi - dence and empowering them to take ownership of their learning.” Curt is was selected to serve as California’s repre- sentat ive to the National Teacher of the Year competi- tion. He and the candidates from other states will be hon- ored at a White House cere- mony. His thoughts on winning the award? “It’s unbelievable to think that I, a PE teacher, was chosen,” says Curt is. “Honestly, just being at Sa- lute to Teachers, the San Di- ego awards ceremony, was like being at the Oscars.” Shannan Brown Teaching is a “dynamic and ever-changing profession,” says Brown, a fif th-grade teacher at Thomas Edison El- ementary School in Sacra- mento. “Teaching is not just about standards,” she says of her phi- losophy. “It is also about teach- ing whoever walks in the door to believe in themselves. I cre- ate an environment of high ex- pectations, but loving support. 22 California Educator | FEBRUARY 2011 I know that what I say — and don’t say — will affect them for the rest of their lives.” She says that the secret of her success is giving non-grad- ed feedback on areas where students have achieved mas- tery, as well as on the areas where they need to improve. “I involve students and they be- gin to take charge of their own learning,” Brown says. Brown, a member of the San Juan Teachers Association, says being involved in the union has made her a better teacher. “SJTA gives me a voice to express concern and frustra- tion about not being able to do what is best for students due to mandates made outside of my classroom,” she says. “The as- sociation and district have held very honest and open ABOVE: The five Teachers of the Year are (left to right): Jennifer Kelly, Shannan Brown, Darin Curtis, Kadhir Rajagopal and Beverly Gonzales. conversations about how we can work together to further student learning.” Beverly Gonzalez This fourth-grade math and writing teacher at Santa Fe School in Baldwin Park sees herself as a “gardener” who is cultivating successful students. “I water my seeds with knowledge,” she says. “Some need watering constantly and grow very quickly. I make sure there is no ceiling above them to stop their joyous growth. Others need careful watering; I make sure they can handle each drop before I give them more. Occasion- Photo by Jim Jordan