CONGRATULATIONS TO CALIFORNIA'S TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 2003

I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to teaching, which truly is a noble profession. Many of us have been encouraged and inspired by a special teacher, and we know that it makes all the difference in the world. Each day that they walk into a classroom, Virginia Avila, Anne Marie Bergen, Connie Baumgardt Blackburn, Christopher Mullin, and Tamara Thornell are an inspiration to their students, to their fellow educators, and to all of us who value the importance of a quality education.

Christopher Mullin History, Latin, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) classes in grades 9-12 Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Ynez Mr. Mullin believes that the major issues in the education profession today are recruitment, retention, and meaningful support from other teachers. He draws upon other cultures, countries, and historical events for answers to peer-support challenges. Mr. Mullin served as a teacher-facilitator for the History-Social Science Project at UC Santa Barbara. His current activities include working as a MetLife Fellow of the Teachers Network Policy Institute, and serving on his school's Digital High School Committee.