Mr. Michael Morris and Mrs. Andrea Janssen, Teachers of the Year at Valley High School

A recent movie called Freedom Writers chronicles the true story of an English teacher’s amazing impact on struggling students in a Los Angeles high school. The young teacher, “Ms. G.,” procures two extra jobs to earn money to take the students on fieldtrips and goes to great lengths to develop with them an unbreakable bond. The result is astounding success for the students, both academically as well as in their individual lives.

Each year, teachers in this area are recognized for outstanding efforts such as these through the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award. Valley High School announced their two winners for the 2006 – 2007 school year, Ms. Andrea Janssen and Mr. Michael Morris. Approximately 700 students in the school voted and had to give a speech to tell why they selected each teacher. The common thread reported about the winners was the “extraordinary caring” and “a love for teaching.”

Ms. Janssen has been teaching Physics, Honors Physics, and AP Physics at Valley for the past three years. She makes it a priority to engage her students through questioning that requires them to think critically. She describes her class by saying, “Daily, we relate what the students are learning to their own lives and the world around them though demonstrations, problem-solving, or lab activities. We have fun, and it is rare that we go through a class without one or two great laughs.”

The students appreciate that she is supportive when it comes to very difficult coursework and of any personal concerns or problems they present to her. One student relates, “She is genuinely concerned about our futures and is dedicated to ensuring our success in life after Valley.”

Another explains, “Ms. Janssen is a very devoted teacher. She probably does even more homework than the students!” Overwhelmingly what students mention the most is her permanent enthusiasm; “Her passion for learning is undeniably contagious! She is an invaluable asset to our school and to our lives.”

One recent achievement of Ms. Janssen’s students demonstrates the excellent instruction they are receiving. During 2005-2006 the AP Physics students took the AP Physics B exam. All nine students in the course took the exam and passed. AP Exams are scored with 5 being perfect. Of her students, four earned a perfect score of 5, another four earned 4’s, and one student scored a 3. She shares, “It was an amazing accomplishment for the students and for Valley High School.”

The second recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, Mr. Michael Morris exemplifies a level of passion and dedication that has profoundly affected his students. A first year Algebra teacher, he also serves as the academic coach for the football team and stays after school every day tutoring until 7:00. The tutoring program called, Play It Smart, is sponsored by the National Football League to help athletes keep up their grades and stay eligible to compete. What the students notice that Mr. Morris is committed to all students succeeding. They say, “You help us in all our subjects, not just Algebra. Even if you don’t know the subject, you try. You care! We’ve never seen anyone who would go out on a limb to help us like you.”

Since Mr. Morris teaches 90 minute class periods, he incorporates many different teaching techniques to keep the kids actively participating. He involves the students in cooperative learning through peer teaching, small group activities, as well as one on one teaching. “I normally have 4 -5 different groups going on a time to facilitate learning styles,” he explains. In addition, the students enjoy the projects that emphasize application of math concepts. “The students build models such as roller coasters, guitars, luxury homes, and skate parks. They learn how math relates to everything you do.”

One aspect that contributes to Mr. Morris’ success is maintaining high expectations while at the same time communicating a sincere attitude of concern for his students. He tells them regularly, “I’m here for you. I’m here to help you get to the next level.” Throughout the year, he surveys the students asking them what he must change to better assist in their learning.

He relates, “The students have been willing to share their viewpoints and I have implemented their ideas.” The students recognize his genuine desire to help them succeed by the extra things he does for them. He shares, “I spend time with my students. I want to get to know them on their turf. I have ordered pizza for them after tutoring or taken them to Dairy Queen.” The students have expressed their gratitude, saying, “You go way beyond, and we've never seen that.”

Both Ms. Janssen and Mr. Morris expound with great appreciation of the support they receive from the administrators at Valley. Their enthusiasm and love of teaching exudes in every word. Alle-Kiski Today salutes them for their outstanding contribution to the lives of our students.