If it weren’t for a former girlfriend’s challenge, UPforEd’s March Teacher of the Month Mark Heinze might have missed his calling to teach history at Muirlands Middle School.
In fact, Heinze set his sights on becoming an attorney when an old flame asked him to study international student test scores. His assumption that U.S. schools would lead the pack was quickly proven wrong thus beginning his quest to provide students with a quality education.
Heinze began his teaching career in San Diego Unified School District more than 20 years ago. He soon proved his mettle being honored in 1986 as SDUSD Teacher of the Year and later, as San Diego County Teacher of the Year.
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The challenging educator connects current events with history and welcomes parent participation in his classroom. Heinze travels regularly to schools abroad for a world view of education and has even taken students with him on trips to Japan and Germany.
He has served on the board of “Newspapers in Education” and over summer breaks, he teaches young people to surf at Menehune Surf School.
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“One parent's nomination touched our hearts,” said Executive Director Lisa Berlanga. “She volunteers in his room and wrote ‘Today one boy told me: ‘I hear that Mr. Heinze is tougher than the other social students teachers at our school, but that’s OK with me that we have to work harder because it’s worth it. I’m going to remember this class my whole life.’”
UPforEd congratulates March 2013 Parent Choice Award recipient Mark Heinze, who received a $500 cash card along with recognition by the staff and membership.
All Parent Choice Award winners will be recognized at the first UPforEd Parent Choice Awards Celebration on May 30, 2013, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114. Sponsorships and tickets available.
To nominate a teacher, visit upfored.org and click on “Nominate a Great Teacher.” UPforEd staff, in conjunction with its Educational Advisory Committee, use criteria established by the California Teacher Standards to honor the best of the best.
