Dove Hill Newsroom

Charles Crosby

A tireless energy, a "whatever it takes attitude" and leadership that ensures students' success all point to Marcia Araujo as an obvious choice for Evergreen's Teacher of the Year. Honored by the Santa Clara County Office of Education on September 14, Araujo, a K. Smith resource teacher with 19 years in the classroom spent at Cedar Grove, Silver Oak, and Evergreen before arriving at K. Smith, is a most worthy honoree that does the District proud.

"There isn't a student on this campus that she doesn't know and care about," notes Aaron Brengard, principal at K. Smith. "She not only goes above and beyond with her students, but spends countless hours talking with teachers, helping design intervention programs and small group instruction. I could not run this school without her."

She is clearly moved to have received the recognition. "Each year my children and I huddle around the Mercury News to read and discuss the 'Teacher of Year' article," she recalls. "I take this opportunity to lecture them about the importance of striving for excellence in all that you decide to pursue. We also celebrate when we recognize a familiar face either from their home district or Evergreen. I admit, sometimes I would fantasize about receiving this prestigious award but I didn't think I had much of a chance. When Aaron Brengard called me over to speak with (Superintendent) Kathy Gomez, I thought he'd ask me to summarize an initiative that we were implementing at Katherine Smith School. I was shocked and moved when she told me that I'd been selected as 'Teacher of the Year.' The work of a special educator is not always visible and can be unclear to outsiders, so it's an incredible honor to be selected for this award."

Someone who clearly cares about her students,- something noted by everyone when asked to share thoughts about her – Araujo keeps them close to her heart as she accepts her award and as she reflects on her philosophy of teaching. "I entered the California public school system as a non-English speaking, migrant student and had to combat a system that relegated me to a path of low expectations and limited opportunities," she says. "This experience has shaped my deep belief that all students can and should be given every opportunity to achieve to their potential. I focus on building on students' individual strengths and empowering them to be strong self-advocates. I believe in a project-based learning instructional approach that engages students in meaningful work that develops their communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills, together with their academic proficiencies."

Each year we ask the Teacher of the Year recipient to share advice they might give to up and coming teachers, and Araujo's advice typically reverts to relationship building with students. "I would advise new teachers to prioritize building rapport with every student and creating a positive classroom culture. I would encourage new teachers to reflect on current practices within our public schools, and to have the courage and creativity to formulate innovative solutions where they see problems or inefficiencies. I would tell new teachers that if you always strive to improve your practice and engage students in exciting and fun work, your professional life will remain exciting and rewarding."

ESD is well represented by teachers like Marcia Araujo and we all share in the pride of a career well-celebrated and honored.