PUSD Teacher of the Year: Anthony Bayro

Los Peñasquitos Elementary School third grade teacher Anthony Bayro has been chosen as one of the three Teachers of the Year for 2012-13, it was announced Thursday.

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Bayro had already been named the school site Teacher of the Year at Los Peñasquitos, and was then selected by a committee as one of three overall district honorees. He will go on to compete at the countywide program and, if selected as a winner there, move on to the state competition.

The third grade teacher was surprised in his classroom with flowers by a number of school and district officials, to applause from his students. PUSD Superintendent John Collins asked students what makes Bayro a great teacher and they responded, "He likes us," "He makes teaching us really fun," and "He lets us do fun science experiments."

Here is the district announcement about Bayro:

Eleven years ago Anthony Bayro was hired to become a fifth grade teacher in a little known program called the Los Pen Academy. At that time there were many who did not understand why teachers would volunteer to give up their summers and teach two extra hours each day. To the Los Pen team the answer was simple: The Academy was created for their students. They were committed to forming a school-within-a-school that knew no limits to the academic success of each student. They knew that all students could learn and achieve at high levels if parents, teachers, and students worked collaboratively, and extra time and support for learning was provided.

Many of the students face daily challenges which include parents who work multiple jobs, families who are not native English speakers, single parent homes, and families dealing with drug abuse and criminal behaviors.

Over the years, Anthony’s students in the Los Pen Academy have become highly motivated learners, embracing the educational journey. Results on California proficiency tests have continually outshined the state. Anthony feels it is truly an honor to be part of a program that is making a difference to kids. It is not uncommon for former students to fill him in on how they are doing. The following message is an example:

“Hey Mr. Bayro! I am currently taking a Sociology of Education class and I am learning so much about the education system! I just wanted to take some time to thank you because I didn’t realize until now the impact you had on my educational career. You were a great influence on me as one of the few Asian American male educators in my life.”

Anthony is a firm believer that you should give back to your community. He says that if everyone had this kind of attitude the world would be a much better place. He is proud to work in the community in which he grew up. He attended PUSD’s Black Mountain Middle School and Mt. Carmel High School, and remembers having teachers who really cared about their students.

“I try to emulate those teachers and strive to be that special teacher my students will remember when they think about people who made a difference in their life,” Anthony said. As a teacher he holds himself to the same high standards that he holds his students. He is constantly asking his students to give him their best. Therefore he requires the same amount of effort from himself. “The kids need me to give 110 percent to them.” He passionately believes that it is important to have the same expectations for all kids, and any baggage needs to be put away.

When asked about a student he strongly influenced, Anthony speaks about a fifth-grader who has had a difficult time since he was in kindergarten. Anthony met with his dad who told him, “I’ll be in prison in a month,” and then added, “Please take care of my son.” The dad had gone to prison before; he would now be a three-striker.

It was a rough first month—a time when Anthony set firm guidelines, a structured environment, and clear consequences for the student. As is part of the Academy program, he called the student every night. With these clear expectations, the child knew his teacher cared. He also knew his Dad had spoken to him, and he grew to respect Anthony. There was a complete 180 degree change from where he was. While life challenges do not vanish (his Dad is out of prison and deported to Mexico), the student loves going to school, is doing his homework, and knows education will help him succeed in life.

Los Peñasquitos Elementary School Principal Deanne McLaughlin said, “Passion, dedication, and commitment are qualities Anthony brings to his classroom each day. His excitement for teaching creates a stimulating learning environment for his students. He is admired by colleagues and called upon as a leader in technology innovation.”

Anthony has taught first grade and fifth grade at Los Peñasquitos Elementary School since 1999. Previous to that, he worked as an ESS (Extended Student Services) Instructional Assistant at Morning Creek Elementary School. Anthony received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State San Marcos and his Masters of Arts degree from National University.