Local Teacher Receives Clms "Educator of the Year" Award

Teacher Julie Doria, who teaches at Olive Peirce Middle School, was recently chosen California League of Middle Schools 2003-2004 “Educator of the Year.”

by Jim Evans

Julie Doria always wanted to be a teacher, from the time she was a youngster. After all, both of her parents were educators, and she had several outstanding teachers while she was growing up. She wanted to be able to influence young people in a positive way — and her dream came true.

For the past 10 years, Doria has taught at Olive Peirce Middle School in Ramona, culminating in her recent selection as the California League of Middle Schools 2003-2004 "Educator of the Year" for Region 9, which includes all of San Diego and Imperial counties.

The award is presented annually to 11 educators — one for each of the 11 regions throughout California — "who exemplify educational excellence and have made significant efforts to implement educational reform in the middle school." (California League of Middle Schools, www.clms.net).

Doria was selected from up to 10 finalists in her region and will be honored at the CLMS annual conference from March 11-14 in San Jose. One of the regional nominees then will be honored as CLMS Middle Level Educator of the Year.

Criteria for the award included the following:

• Leadership characteristics: dedicated; innovative; exhibits professional collegiality; enthusiastic; proactive.

• Middle school awareness: supportive of middle school movement; demonstrates middle school concepts; committed to and uses principles of Caught in the Middle, Turning Points, Taking Center Stage, and/or other middle school documents; incorporates state frameworks and standards.

• Exemplary characteristics: demonstrates beyond-the-job responsibilities; acts as a role model; demonstrates ability to motivate students from diverse backgrounds; other unique abilities and/or contributions.

CLMS is a nonprofit membership association "dedicated to improving the professional knowledge of middle level educators so that early adolescents may experience academic success and personal well-being." The association is led by California educators for California educators and provides conferences, workshops and development opportunities to address national and state standards.

Doria grew up in nearby Escondido and graduated from San Pasqual High School.

"I was fortunate to have some terrific teachers throughout my schooling," Doria said. "I particularly remember my history teacher, Mr. (Rick) Lidster, in seventh and eighth grades and my physical education teacher, Beth Pluzdrak, in sixth, seventh and eighth grades at Del Dios Middle School. I used to babysit for each of their families, so we were very close, and they were such a positive influence on my life.

"And my parents — what can I say? They have been such great role models, and I know how proud they are of my winning this award.

"The award was a surprise," Doria added. "I really didn’t expect to win among so many outstanding educators — some of them with far more experience. I was pleased just to be nominated by our principal, Linda Solis, who has done so much to create opportunities for us in leadership and personal development."

Doria, who has multi-subject credentials, has taught seventh grade language arts for the past five years.

"I never thought that I would be teaching English, but it is such a pleasure to see the students develop their language and communication skills," she said. "I love what I am doing, and I am proud to represent our school and Region 9 at the upcoming conference."

The motto of CLMS — committed to the success of middle school students — is an apt description of Doria’s dedication to the teaching profession. Fits her like a glove! Congratulations!