Dana Hills High School Science Teacher Named OC Teacher of the Year

DANA POINT, CA - Dana Hills High School Science Teacher Kristine Clark received a surprise visit Monday from the Orange County Department of Education Prize Patrol with gift basket and the best gift of all: recognition as Orange County Teacher of the Year.

The honor means that Clark will be one of five teachers countywide to be feted at a banquet and awarded $15,000. She is also eligible to compete for the statewide honor of California Teacher of the year.

When the prize patrol arrived at Dana Hills High during lunch hour Monday, they found Clark working through lunch in her classroom where she was teaching students to dust for fingerprints.

“I’m very honored,” Clarke said after the announcement was made over the PA. “I’m very blown away.”

According to a statement released by the education department, the entire student body cheered, as along with Clarke’s parents, Mary and Mark of Orange, who were there to witness the surprise honor.

It was the second time this year that Clark was surprised in the classroom. In March, a delegation of Capistrano Unified School District leaders surprised her with the news that she would be the district’s nominee this year.

“You are truly a classroom innovator offering your students a relevant education in whatever science class you teach and a pioneer in creating a new course,” school board President Hanacek said in March. “You create learning experiences for your students that are obviously meaningful in so many ways and the respect that you have from those students and appreciative parents is obvious and warranted.”

A science teacher at Dana Hills High for 11 years, Clark is known for her creative approach to engaging students in science by creating CSI-style investigations for her students and hands-on experiments demonstrating global warming.

“You engage students in real and authentic ways in the classroom and that clearly has a lasting impact on their lives,” added Superintendent Kirsten Vital. “It is an honor for me to be here to share this news with your students. Your experience, your accomplishments and your heart for teaching make you deserving of this great honor.”