Mrs. Juanita Carr Chosen
Teacher of the Year 2007/08
And the award goes to: Mrs. Juanita Carr! This could have been an
appropriate announcement considering the circumstances. On October 8, 2007,
Mrs. Carr won the “Teacher of the Year” award at Mandarin High School. The
“Teacher of the Year” award, in a nutshell, is an award given to teachers
who give an outstanding performance at the school. But what exactly has Carr
done to prove that she is worthy of this award?
“I guess because she takes care of her students and she is really into her
job and likes teaching her subject,” said Johanna Dressler, one of Carr’s
Journalism One students.
Obviously, this award must have been very gratifying for Carr. There were
several other candidates who could have been recognized for their
accomplishments as well. What was Carr’s opinion on the matter?
“I think it’s an amazing honor. I appreciate the fact that my peers chose to
recognize me,” said Carr.
Though Carr thinks this to be a great honor, her achievements as a teacher
should not come as a surprise. With twenty-nine years of teaching under her
belt, this award could not have gone to a more deserving individual,
however, what does Carr believe won her this award?
“I would say my long hours, my interaction with students, and the various
hats I wear. I’m sure that’s what did it,” said Carr.
Students are very fortunate to have the chance to have been taught by
someone so skilled in her subject. Rather than pursuing alternative careers
in journalism, students are benefited by her knowledge on the subject and
learn many tricks of the trade from her. With a drive that cannot be
deterred, students quickly come to realize all of the ways in which she
expands our knowledge and progresses skills that will only make life after
high school easier. Although her class can be a struggle at first, she
pushes us to improve, and her students can only applaud her successes and
express immense gratitude for everything she has accomplished.
