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Photos of John Barnes and Patti Ligon extracted from Golden Apple video by Dave Wortman
All other Photos by Boyd Anderson

"Because it is the dawning of a new technological age, an age where students are especially skilled at analyzing visual data and images, I use film, audio clips, and PowerPoint presentations to play to the students' strengths, and to capture their evanescent attention. It's a powerful way to aid in teaching literature when we go to the Holocaust Memorial Museum's website and get firsthand accounts from camp survivors. We can watch Elie Wiesel walk through Auschwitz with Oprah, and get his own personal history of what it was like to be tortured during this horrific time period. We use Google Earth to look at satellite photos of the Salinas Valley when we study Of Mice and Men. Students create PowerPoint presentations during our "controversial issues" unit and teach their fellow classmates about their issues. In this way, it is my hope that students will not only possess a better knowledge of technology and its capabilities, but also of each other."

--Jesse Huttenbrauck, El Capitan

"I became a teacher because, as a young student struggling with English, I experienced first-hand how difficult learning could be, and these challenges ultimately made we want to motivate others to overcome similar obstacles. Teaching also opens doors that I wish to share with my students, just as they help me to see things that I don't know. It's a give-and-take experience that allows me to learn as much as I teach."

--Luis Castro, Mount Miguel

"What makes Forrest [Miller] stand-out is the wisdon that he brings to the job, after years of teaching experience. As the Special Ed. department chair at El Capitan,, he's supported and guided other department members through some "rough" spots" with that wisdom. Saying goodbye is bittersweet!"

--Marilyn LeResche
(regarding Forrest Miller at El Capitan)

"Teaching has many intangible rewards. Seeing the faces of students light up when they experience the victory of understanding is a magical moment that keeps me striving to be better. The student enthusiasm and energy generated by a lesson well received is a powerful motivator for me."

--John Berray, West Hills

I use this quote to motivate my Physiology students. "To whom much is given, much will be required."

--Boyd Stewart, Granite Hills

"Why I decided to become a teacher... Some people are born to save lives or run corporations, while others are born to play music or sports. I was born to be a teacher. It just fits.

What I enjoy most about my job... The moments of clarity that I see on the faces of my students. I enjoy making people feel good about themselves and believe in their ability. It is gratifying to hear about the conversations my students might have with family or friends concerning topics discussed in class. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to impact lives while continuing my experiences as a "student" of my subject matter."

--Ethan Steveson, Grossmont

"Ethan Steveson inspires students. He inspires them to want to learn more about history and our government. He inspires them to want to perform and do well. He inspires students to want to become teachers."

--Theresa Kemper
(regarding Ethan Steveson at Grossmont)

Allan Thompson explained that "relating how drafting is a good 'back door' into Engineering and Architecture and a secure future" is what he enjoys most about teaching drafting.

Allan stands out as an extraordinary teacher at GUHSD because "He lowers [students'] anxieties while enhancing their confidence and understanding of drafting; and he always has time, to give time and attention to each student."

"Allan has a natural ability to make his instruction relevant to the students' interest - he gets them to learn no matter what they are working on."

--Regarding Allan Thompson, ROP