Jeffrey Warn has been nominated for Teacher of the Year by Cardozo Middle School Principal Kevin Bizzini. There are 12 finalists including Warn and on May 2 the winner will be announced at a luncheon in Modesto.
“Teachers do not get into the field for pay, or recognition, but being a finalist for Teacher of the Year is truly an honor,” stated Warn. “Teachers work extremely hard, put in countless hours, and to be recognized is something that means a lot to me and my family.”
Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) designed the Teacher of the Year program to recognize outstanding teachers from TK-12 within the county in public and private schools. According to SCOE the requirements of the positive role models is to inspire all students to reach their highest academic potential and work to maximize their social and emotional development; consistently support high expectations for learning and responsible behavior at school and within the community; approach teaching with creativity, enthusiasm, and a true appreciation for the individual differences among all students; and, cultivate a life-long interest in learning among all students.
Principals can nominate one teacher at their schools and Bizzini did just that, nominating Warn for the fourth grade to sixth grade category.
Bizzini said, “The nomination process required Jeff and I to submit written responses to questions. Six teachers are selected during a first round where the SCOE team visits schools and observes in the teacher’s classroom. Based on the classroom visits, three teachers are selected to move to the next round.”
Warn has been teaching for 10 years and has been with Riverbank Unified School District at Cardozo for the past nine years teaching Math and Science to sixth graders.
“My favorite thing about teaching is the opportunity I have to work with so many personalities, and knowing that every day will be a new experience,” expressed Warn. “It is my job to make sure that all students understand our purpose, our why. We are all a team, and our goal is to learn and make progress. When learning and progress occur, and students take ownership of that, there is no greater feeling in the world. We are all capable. For some of us it may take some extra work, but to see that hard work pay off and the emotion that accompanies it, is priceless.”
Warn shared that his grandfather was a teacher and administrator in Stanislaus County which always interested him. His grandfather was someone that he looked up to and admired as he was growing up.
He noted, “As I got older, I learned that helping others came natural, and I have an intrinsic desire to better those around me. Once I started getting into classrooms, it clicked. It is a perfect fit and it has become my passion.”
Bizzini pointed out that he nominated Warn because “he embodies the attributes today’s teachers have to have to support the whole child. Instructionally he does his homework. He uses student data to design learning experiences that reach every student where they are.”
He added that Warn also “understands that the classroom environment has to prioritize learning as everyone’s goal, and student learning is best achieved in a nurturing and supportive community.”
The recognition, and moving forward in the process, is seen by Warn as another opportunity.
“I look forward to shining a positive light on all the hard work that is taking place in our district,” Warn said.
Described by his principal as an educator who has “worn many has” during his career, Warn has gone above and beyond in holding lunch intervention sessions, coaching student athletes, and collaborating with peers.
“He does so with the worthwhile intent that his work ultimately benefits his students’ lives,” Bizzini pointed out. “The challenges facing educators today are not extraordinarily different, but their mindset about how to meet today’s students’ needs demands a shift. Educators must approach their work as a collaborative effort amongst the adults in the room. Sharing ideas and best practices along with timely and accurate analysis of data is preeminent.”
