 Congratulations
to Alan Siegel, California 2005 State Teacher of the Year. Mr. Siegel,
who teaches at W. C. Carlé High School, was selected by State Superintendent
Jack O'Connell as one of five "exceptional educators" for state teachers of
the year in November, 2004. One of the five will represent California in the
National Teacher of the Year. Click the following link to visit the
CDE Teacher of the
Year News Release page for more information. We are very proud to
have Alan represent continuation education as the California State Teacher
of the Year 2005The following letter of recommendation
was submitted by Alan's principal Dr.
William R.
MacDougall:
It is a pleasure to recommend Alan Siegel for Teacher
of the Year. Alan is a tireless professional who is always willing to do
whatever is needed for our school and students. He has been a mentor
teacher due to his innovative instructional methods in social studies. In
addition to his U. S. history, media, civics, and economics classes, Alan
also oversees our school newspaper, school issues magazine, recycling
program, and takes students kayaking.
Alan makes his classes interesting to the students by
presenting current issues that often relate to the subject at hand.
Students are often stating opinions in the class and are required to write
their opinions in a journal. Alan reads every journal and then comments on
what was written. Many of the changes that occur in our program come out of
these journal entries. Because of this fact, students believe that they can
have make a positive difference in our program. He stresses the idea of
community, both the Carle’ community and our local community of Clearlake.
I am particularly impressed with Alan’s ability to
review and select curriculum. He is constantly looking for new and
innovative curricula that will address the needs of our student body. The
curricula he selects are often teacher-intensive and adapted to all forms of
learner. It is not uncommon to enter Alan’s class and see students actively
engaged in role playing activities, doing art projects, or involved in
interesting discussions. I have never witnessed teaching of this sort
occurring so often. While his instructional methods are innovative and
creative, he still addresses the vast majority of the State Content
Standards by the end of the year. He studies the State Frameworks and
Content Standards and ensures that his students are the utmost prepared.
Alan is a tremendous help to me in my duties as
principal. He is a strong disciplinarian who assists me whenever the need
arises. In our staff meetings, he is willing to look at all sides of an
issue and often creates brilliant, innovative solutions to the issues being
addressed. This year alone he has helped us modify our senior portfolio,
improved our recycling program, and helped organize our integrated thematic
unit. Alan requires students to perform, but he always rewards them for a
job well done. He has sponsored several photo and video contests in an
effort to provide incentives to the students interest. Alan also created
our “Chilly” program. Students are awarded a “Chilly” whenever they are
caught doing something nice for someone else. Once a student receives a
“Chilly” slip, he or she receives a sucker and is in the running for a
weekly prize drawing. Through programs and strategies such as these, Alan
has made sure that our high school celebrates its students and maintains a
climate of kindness, support and rigor.
Alan Siegel may be reached at W.C. Carlé Continuation
High School, 707-994-1033 |
