CCCOE Teacher Of The Year Transforming Lives Of Troubled Teens

MARTINEZ, CA -- Contra Costa County Office of Education’s newest Teacher of the Year has plenty in common with his fellow 21 Class of 2017-2018 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year: he was inspired to become an educator, earned his teaching credentials (along with obtaining his master's and bachelor's degrees), and is incredibly dedicated to his students.

The one big difference between Rhuepell Stroud and his fellow honored teachers, according to a news release from CCCOE, is that his students are locked up in a detention facility. Stroud teaches multiple subjects to middle and high school students at Mt. McKinley School – which resides inside the Martinez Juvenile Hall.

When asked about his philosophy of teaching, Stroud said: “I always imagined that I would save the world and transform lives like the teachers in ‘To Sir with Love,’ ‘Up the Down Staircase,’ ‘The Blackboard Jungle,’ and ‘Stand and Deliver.’ Although teachers might not transform lives, we do make a difference. We facilitate the possibility of students transforming their education and future by providing the necessary tools for them to be successful. And like the teachers in each of these movies, we are transformed by the opportunity to serve others.”

Stroud, a 38-year instructor who has been teaching core subjects to grades sixth through 12th at Mt. McKinley School since 2003, has left a lasting impression on many of his students.

"I continue to further my education in college because of one reason – my English teacher Mr. Stroud," said Eliseo, who graduated from Mt. McKinley in 2016.

Eliseo recalls getting off to a rough start with Stroud; he said he never listened to his teacher, and would make fun of Stroud in the classroom.

"I never paid attention or did my work," Eliseo confessed. "But once I sat down, and really listened to what the man had to say, it changed me for the better. He not only taught me to be a proficient English communicator, but also taught me about life ... Mr. Stroud really cares about his students. He keeps the classroom positive, yet his classroom rules and expectations are tough – but we always know we have his support."

Fellow Mt. McKinley instructor Brian Murtagh says Stroud’s dedication to create a positive learning environment for his students is second to none.

"When not in the classroom, he can often be found talking to a peer in the hallways of our school, checking up on certain students, determining the best way to approach them, both academically and behaviorally," Murtagh said.

On the evening of Sept. 28, the 22 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year for 2017-2018, including Stroud, will be introduced and honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Concord Hilton. The teachers will be accompanied by their families, friends and co-workers. The expected crowd of close to 500 will also include numerous other supporters of the program.

The two top teachers will go on to represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.

Image via Contra Costa County Office of Education