Sahuarita High Teacher Wins Award, $25,000
By JAMAR YOUNGER
A Sahuarita High School teacher received a surprise Wednesday when state and district education officials arrived at the school to present her with a national teaching award and an oversized $25,000 check.
Math teacher Caroline Torres, 45, won a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, given to teachers who implement innovative teaching practices, lead in their profession outside of school and serve as role models, said Jane Foley, senior vice president of the awards for the Milken Family Foundation.
Torres will travel to Los Angeles in March for a national education conference with the other award recipients. Torres will receive the $25,000 at the conference.
About 75 teachers from around the country have received the award this year, Foley said.
No one knew the winner until Foley made the announcement during a morning assembly in the high school’s gym.
The high school band played before the assembly and the students cheered loudly when Torres’ name was announced.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and district Superintendent Jay St. John addressed the crowd during the ceremony and offered congratulations to Torres.
“I was kind of sweaty up there” in the bleachers, Torres said. “I had no idea.”
Torres has taught for 10 years, including the last four at the high school. She also taught in the Tucson Unified School District, she said.
Torres attributed her success to the district officials and other mentors who support her “zaniness,” she said.
“You have to have really supportive people,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
She aims to help students take responsibility for their education, she said.
“I’m very cut and dry, but I believe students need to take ownership of their learning, education and their future,” she said.
Some of her students don’t seem to mind her approach.
“She treats us like adults,” said sophomore Harry Fancher, 15. “If we need help, it’s our responsibility.”
Jillian Madril, 16, said Torres works with students until they understand the topic.
“She’s not afraid to express herself, but she’s really courteous,” said Madril, a sophomore. “She’s a friend and a teacher.”
Gabriel Aguilar, 15, said he appreciates Torres’ teaching style.
“If you don’t get everything, she’ll explain it until you get it,” said Aguilar, also a sophomore.
Foley termed the selection process “confidential,” saying Torres was chosen from a statewide pool of educators who are viewed as experts in their subject areas and can serve on committees.
The foundation worked with the Arizona Department of Education to identify a teacher who met the foundation’s criteria, she said.
“We’re looking for teachers who have a strong potential to stay in the profession for a long period of time,” she said. “This award says ‘stay in teaching.’ “
* Contact reporter Jamar Younger at 434-4076 or jyounger@azstarnet.com.
Originally published by JAMAR YOUNGER, ARIZONA DAILY STAR.
(c) 2007 Arizona Daily Star. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.