Becky Adrian
Music and Dance
Teacher, Grades K-12
Mae Hensley Junior High School
Ceres, CA
Biographical Information:
Becky Adrian teaches a performance class at Mae Hensley Junior
High School in Ceres. She has been teaching at the school her
entire 16-year professional career. She was hired fresh out of
college to develop a dance program that at first attracted mostly
girls. But soon boys began signing up as well. Paired with a strong
music teacher, she turned the school into a fine arts magnet.
She has worked to articulate the dance program at the K-12 level
districtwide. Ms. Adrian uses effective teaching concepts and
maximizes student time on task. Her students develop self-confidence
and learn how to interact in social situations.
David Burns
History and Social Science Teacher, Grades 9-12
Foothill High School
Sacramento, CA
Biographical Information:
David Burns is an eleventh grade social science and history teacher
at Foothill High School. As part of his instruction, he includes
a World War I simulation, a women's suffrage skit, and a '60s
tie-die project. He took on the job of Activities Director and
has orchestrated countless activities that has attracted large
numbers of students and increased student involvement. Mr. Burns
has worked to refine the scope and sequence of world history curriculum
and align it to the state framework. He recently was selected
to be the teacher sponsor of the Close-Up Program, an intensive
civics/government program for students in Washington, D.C.
Joshua Tornek
History Teacher, Grades 9-12
Blair High School
Pasadena, CA
Biographical Information:
Joshua Tornek teaches AP U.S. History and Honors World History
as well as regular social studies classes at Blair High School
in Pasadena. His students learn in cooperative groups, through
notes and lectures, research and presentations, technology, hands-on
activities and student-led discussions. He is a member of the
Mayor's task force looking into the quality of life for the city's
citizens. Mr. Tornek teaches underachieving students in the summer
and spends his Saturdays tutoring. A high percentage of underachieving
children do well in his classes.
Diane Whalen
Mathematics Teacher, Grades 7-8
Rancho Milpitas Middle School
Milpitas, CA
Biographical Information:
Diane E. Whalen teaches college prep math and integrated algebra
at Rancho Milpitas Middle School in Milpitas. Her students consist
of a heterogeneous group of eighth graders, including a high population
of English-language learners, and special education, regular and
GATE students. Many of her students have made remarkable increases
in their SAT 9 scores and on the Golden State exam. Ms. Whalen
was selected the Rancho Milpitas School Teacher of the Year in
2001. She also is the chair of the math department and a team
leader on the principal's cabinet.
