Staff Directory

Mr. Jim Russell, Principal of Del Mar, has announced that Jen McRae has been named Del Mar's 2006-07 Teacher of the Year. Jennifer was selected as Teacher of the Year because of her ability to bring science alive to her students. In his statement to the CUHSD Board, Mr. Russell quotes a number of teachers who nominated her for the honor.

One teacher wrote, "Jen's ideas in the classroom are very innovative and engaging. I hear nothing but positive things from her peers and students. Her strategies are very helpful, especially for her ELD students."

Another teacher noted, "Jen is an amazing teacher. She constantly works hard to get all of her students to meet or exceed standards. Jen came up with the "snowball game" that has since been shared at several faculty and teacher leader meetings. Her students enjoy her classes even when they have a hard time relating to the subject-matter. Jen is deserving of this award for all of her hard work and dedication to Del Mar."

And a third teacher stated, "Jen has great rapport with her students of every level; she constantly comes up with exciting and challenging lessons to keep her students interested. They retain the information because she reinforces their learning with creative reviews and engaging labs."

These are the highest compliments a teacher can receive. Students enjoy her classes, they are challenged by her and she cares about helping them be successful. In addition to being a fabulous teacher, Jen served as the WASC Assessment and Accountability Committee chair last year during our critical 3rd year review and she served on the Distinguished Schools writing team this year.

In concluding these remarks, Mr. Russell stated, "Jen McRae was the first teacher I hired when I came to Del Mar in August 2003, and she has been one of the best hires I have ever made. Del Mar is fortunate to have Jen on staff and we are proud to name her Del Mar's 2006-07 Teacher of the Year."

Jen McRae was also honored on Thursday, May 17 at the meeting of the CUHSD Board along with the Teachers of the Year for the other district schools.