Ann Sobrato High School teacher Howard Barnes was recently named Morgan Hill Unified School District’s 2016 Teacher of the Year for his more than 20 years of local service.
This year, Barnes served as the social studies department chair as well as continued his commitment as the advisor for the state-finalist Mock Trial team at Sobrato.
“It’s a great honor. I was really surprised,” said Barnes of learning of the 2016 honor. “There are so many great teachers who do a lot of great work in this district. It’s truly an honor to even be considered.”
MHUSD leadership and the board of education recognized Barnes as well as the other 13 Teachers of the Year by school site at the May 17 school board meeting.
“Howard has a knack for getting his students to care about social studies and their own learning. He successfully meets the needs of struggling learners while maintaining rigor and high expectations,” read Superintendent Steve Betando aloud from the agenda details. “Howard reflects on, revises and innovates his curriculum and grading policies.”
Barnes teaches Advanced Placement World History and Civics at Sobrato, where he is also on the school site council. He spends a week every summer grading AP tests which allows him to improve his own instruction to best support students, according to the agenda rationale.
“Students constantly remark on how much they learn as well as how much they enjoy his classes,” Betando continued. “Howard is a consummate professional and his pedagogical and leadership skills, as well as his positive rapport and success with students, make him an excellent selection for Morgan Hill Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year.”
Teachers of the Year are selected by colleagues at their respective school sites.
*Sobrato High School: Howard Barnes
Barrett Elementary: Kelly Parker
Britton Middle School: Jim Levis
Central High School: Nicole Dietmeier
Community Adult School: Pam Goonetilleke
El Toro Elementary: Debbie Baker
Jackson Academy of Music and Math: Amanda Knudtzon
Live Oak High School: Ken Repp
Los Paseos Elementary: Michelle Grgich
Martin Murphy Middle School: Heather Wallace
Nordstrom Elementary: Anna Goble
Paradise Valley Elementary: Susan Wagner
Walsh STEAM Academy: Ellen Miller
San Martin/Gwinn Environmental Science Academy: Vee Zabala
*Howard Barnes was selected as Morgan Hill Unified School District’s 2016 Teacher of the Year
