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The Grossmont Union High School District has named El Cajon
Valley High School Social Science Teacher Jim McLaughlin as its
Education Innovator of the Month for January.
Superintendent Terry Ryan said, “We are honored to have
Jim McLaughlin as a teacher in the Grossmont District. He inspires
our most challenged students and displays a passion for helping
them overcome obstacles to success.”
Currently in his 13th year of teaching in the Grossmont District,
Jim McLaughlin has been the driving force behind innovative programs
geared for both during and after school that ensure connectedness
to campus and signal that failing isn’t an option.
Two years ago he pioneered a successful pilot program—the
Academy of Opportunity—which utilizes peer mentors and
a dedicated team of teachers whose shared approach is tackling
failure by taking extra steps to reach students in the sophomore
class who weren’t successful during their freshman year
and are close to giving up. Intensive tutoring, individualized
instruction and a personalized road map to graduation is showing
these students the way.
Earlier this month, another project McLaughlin envisioned came
to fruition with the opening of the Student Center at El Cajon
Valley High School. Students now have a place to go after school
that is safe. McLaughlin did the leg work, gathering up computers,
ping pong tables, magazines, air hockey and board games to give
the environment a student union feel.
Principal Paul Dautremont said, “Jim McLaughlin goes out
of his way to try to work with the most challenging students
on our campus. If I were ever given the honor of staffing a new
high school, Jim would be my first pick.”
 The theme that rings through when you talk to McLaughlin’s
students is one of relational competency. Simply put, “The
nicest teacher ever,” one student said. Senior Alejandra
Teon said, “He’s so involved in our school, it’s
ridiculous.”
A 2004 graduate stopped back to campus last month specifically
to see his favorite teacher. Sheikh Ronal beamed with pride, “I’m
in college now and I can read because of Mr. McLaughlin.”
When asked to identify his special gift with students, the ever
humble McLaughlin replied, “Teachers who excel, are those
who are always learning.” |
