2009

Ken Kirkwood

Classroom Teacher

El Roble Intermediate School

Hire Date

9/1/77

Years of Service

31

Degrees

B.A., University of Redlands

Masters of Arts, University of Redlands

To teach well, we do not need more techniques and strategies as much as we need a vision of what is essential. It is not the number of good ideas that turns our work into art, but the selection, balance and design of those ideas. —Lucy Calkins

In reviewing the 2009 Teacher of the Year’s file, looking over letters received over the years, the same statements are repeated, “… maintains an exemplary program, one that focuses on both the building and the integration of academic skills, … is to be commended on the continuing efforts to improve the quality of learning and the willingness to share experiences and expertise with peers.”

Claremont High School teachers report the 2009 Teacher of the Year is often the main character when student conversations turn to significant and influential teachers in their educational experiences. In fact the time spent in his tutelage is fondly and frequently referred to as the “Magnificent experience.” This experience is defined in many ways but is significantly described as a combination of gaining knowledge, insight into literature, history, and life, self-confidence, the development of creativity, and the interpretation of humor. Our Teacher of the Year 2009 has epitomized the positive intermediate school experience of well over 10, 000 students!

Claremont’s 2009 Teacher of the Year began his teaching career with Claremont Unified School District 31 years ago as a substitute teacher and coach in 1977. He accepted a teaching position at Sumner Elementary in 1978, moved to La Puerta and on to El Roble, where he has continued his illustrious teaching career. During his tenure, he has been Department Chair of Fine Arts, Department Chair of Social Science, on the secondary social science adoption training, involved with professional development day planning and presentation, helped develop the Advisement Program, yearbook advisor, and El Roble’s drama instructor.

His proud family includes wife, Nancy, and children, Holly and Grant, along with dogs, Samantha and Caboose. His hobbies are US history and model railroads and trains.

It is my pleasure to have been a part of this teacher’s experience shared with students during my time as an administrator at El Roble. I am so moved and so proud to be presenting this gentleman as our Teacher of the Year. It is with great pleasure I present to you, the Board of Education, Dr. Cash and the staff and the community, the 2009 Claremont Unified School District’s truly unforgettable, life-impacting Teacher of the Year—Ken Kirkwood.