Cox Communication and the San Diego County Office of Education have selected Stuart Douglas as the 2017 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. Douglas, a Biology teacher at Granger Junior High was among four other local educators who were named San Diego County Teachers of the Year on Saturday during the 26th annual “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers”. The annual black-tie gala was televised live on Channel 4 San Diego from the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.
“What a terrific honor,” said Douglas. “I always say this about my kids. We’re making the best of stars. I see a shine in you, it’s a new shine!”
Forty-three teachers were nominated for the Teacher of the Year honor from among the 26,000 public school teachers in the region. Douglas was one of five teachers representing the Sweetwater District. The other Teachers of the Year include:
- Sylvia McBride – Castle Park High
- Mariana Hughes – Eastlake High
- Stuart Douglas– Granger Junior High
- Tracey Kiser – Hilltop High
- Kimberly Lepre – Hilltop Middle
Finalists were selected based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy, knowledge of current issues in education, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability, and ability to serve as ambassadors of education.
Douglas says his love for science and the outdoors was nurtured by his parents, and he is dedicated to connecting his students with nature through field trips, guest speakers, volunteering, and other opportunities. “I provide them with experiences that open the doors of possibility,” he says. Douglas’ former principal, Richard Carreon, calls him the “face of field trips” at the school. “His selfless acts continue to put students in situations where they learn beyond school walls.”
School safety is also a priority for Douglas, who was a new teacher at Santana High when the fatal 2001 shooting occurred. Colleagues hailed Douglas as a hero for getting students to safety that day.
The five teachers of the year will represent San Diego County in the California Teacher of the Year program. The state winners will be announced later this year.
Congratulations Mr. Douglas!