Ramona Teacher Vies for Teacher of the Year

Denise Schmale is candidate for Teacher of the Year of San Diego County.

By Laura Calverley

Ramona Teacher of the Year Denise Schmale will compete Oct. 9 against 37 other top educators for the honor of San Diego County Teacher of the Year.

Schmale, who teaches third grade at Barnett Elementary, was selected from a group of candidates representing each school site in the Ramona Unified School District. For Schmale, it is the largest honor of her 32-year career.

“I was so excited when I first heard about it, I started crying,” Schmale said. “I share this honor with all of my peers.”

Schmale has been at Barnett since the school opened its doors 11 years ago. She started her career in 1972, teaching

second grade at Briarpatch Elementary in La Mesa. Through the years, she taught at Hanson Lane and James Duke elementaries.

She holds a master’s degree and four teaching credentials and spent many years as a resource specialist and special-education teacher. In addition to teaching, Schmale works as a mentor for new teachers, as a Beginning Teacher Support Assistance provider, and has raised a son and daughter.

On the first day of this school year, when all teachers met for orientation at Olive Peirce Middle School, Schmale gave the opening speech to approximately 300 teachers. She got a standing ovation.

“I’ve always loved children and I’ve always connected with them,” said Schmale, when asked about her favorite part of teaching.

“I love the way an 8-year-old looks at life,” she said. “I get a kick out of sharing that view and hearing their ideas. I love watching them grow from the beginning of the year to the end and helping them believe in themselves and feel successful, and teaching them that they can do anything.”

According to Barnett Elementary Principal Rory O’Connor, Schmale’s enthusiasm for teaching never ceases to amaze him.

“Mrs. Schmale’s classroom sizzles with excitement,” O’Connor said. “She inspires each and every one of her students to achieve their personal best. She exemplifies everything a dedicated, outstanding teacher should embody.”

The Teacher of the Year program, now in its 31st year, is coordinated by the San Diego County Office of Education. District winners are evaluated based on a strict rating process and personal videotaped interviews with all nominees. During the awards ceremony, the county will name the top 10 teachers, four of whom will earn the County Teacher of the Year designation and go on to represent San Diego in the California Teacher of the Year awards.

According to Joe Annicharico, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources at the Ramona Unified School District, Ramona has had two teachers in the top four and four who made it to the top 10.

The event, “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers” will be televised live at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 from the San Diego Civic Theater. This is the 14th year that the program will be aired live by Cox Communications.