2008 Outstanding First-Year Teacher Award

The California Association for Employment in Education (CAEE) recently recognized an outstanding first-year teacher in California for her unique and creative contribution to the education profession. The recipient received a $500 cash award.

Criteria for the awards included: special accomplishments, unique and creative contributions, highlights of instructional skills, interaction with students, parents and peers, and innovative programs and projects which distinguished the nominees from other first-year teachers.

CAEE links colleges, universities, school systems, students and education professionals to encourage employment in the field of education. CAEE membership consists of school district hiring personnel along with college and university education placement professionals.

The Award Winner:

Peter Wicks

4th Grade Mariposa Elementary School
Redlands Unified School District

It is with pride that Mariposa School presents fourth grade teacher, Peter Wicks, for recognition as an outstanding first year teacher.

Many beginning teachers bring enthusiasm to the classroom; however, Peter’s zeal is equaled by his instructional skills. This is accompanied by exceptional classroom management not often seen in a classroom of a first year teacher. The students’ attention is always focused before directions or instruction is given by call/response format. Echoing volume and rhythm, the students answer Mr. Wicks’ consistently. “Class?” “Yes.” “Here’s the thing.” “What’s the thing?” Immediately the children are tuned in. They stay tuned in as he walks around the room directing and instructing.

This fourth grade classroom is welcoming while ownership is given to the students by displays of their class work and projects. Cooperative learning groups are implemented with the intent of meeting whole class goals. The students have become very supportive of each other though Peter’s teaching techniques and example.

Peter has filled his extensive “bag of trick” with things he has learned from Year 1 BTSA, GATE training, Advanced EL training, a Power Teaching Seminar, and techniques he has learned from observing other teachers. He sees all as opportunities to help him hone his skills so he can be the most successful teacher possible.

Our school offers a large variety of ways children can succeed and Peter has been eager to help. We have a very popular intramural sports program for fourth and fifth graders. Mr. Wicks coordinates the building of teams, supervises the games, keeps scores, posts results and rewards participants at school assemblies. He gives up his lunch time to set up the field and work with the children, and he sets that tone for good sportsmanship.

We have three aquatic ponds at our site that have been overlooked this year. Peter stepped up and took the initiative to contact Exotic Aquatic to restore these ponds. He works as a liaison between the student helpers and the professional landscapers to maintain the park-like atmosphere of Mariposa. With assistance from another teacher, Peter has been instrumental in organizing a parent-teacher garden committee to oversee the garden curriculum, maintenance, and student participation.

Peter works with his peers in a variety of other ways. The fourth grade team meetings on a weekly basis to discuss curriculum, projects team teaching for math, and sharing of successful strategies. He also volunteers to participate in social activities important to our staff.

Mariposa parents take a very active role in our school, which can be very intimidating for new teachers. Peter has won his parents over by his dedication to the students and his willingness to keep communication open between school and home. He sends home weekly progress reports to keep families informed and involved. He also coordinates the many parents who what to volunteer in the classroom. This requires preparing work for them to do and scheduling for special projects and field trips. He is respectful of our diverse parent population and seeks council if a sensitive situation arises.

Peter has taken the initiative to have a cross-age buddy program with a second grade class. With this he developed a unit on Van Gogh giving information on the artist’s life and style. The lessons were introduced with a K-W-L chart and attention given so both grade levels were participating. He also planned a painting activity in the Van Gogh style coordinating with parent helpers prior to the 55 students happily painting sunflowers. The art unit culminated in a cross-age field trip to the Norton Simon Museum.

Peter Wicks has jumped into the teaching profession with both feet. Only an exceptional first year teacher is willing and able to look beyond those classroom walls to seek ways to contribute to the whole school community. Peter inspires the children and the staff of our school and we look forward to his future.

Patty Hodges
Redlands Unified School District