Social Studies Teachers Virginia Decesare and David Knoeckel received the Educator of the Year honors on Nov. 13. The award commends nominated teachers for their service and contributions in their classes and in the community.
“It’s one of those things that I’d always hoped that some point I would win,” Knoeckel said. “But now that it’s here, it’s just an unbelievable honor.”
Outside Principal Ryan Silva’s office hang the pictures of all winners in past years.
“I have always looked at those pictures and the people on those I have a lot of respect for,” Decesare said. “It’s been sort of my, you know, aspiration to be on that wall someday.”
Both believe the award is a great way to shout out teachers for their work.
“I think people work really hard at this school, and I think that hard work and dedication, it’s really nice to have it recognized,” Decesare said. “I’m one of those weird people who actually love their job, I really do, and to be recognized for doing something that you spent your life doing, and being recognized for doing it well? Means a lot.”
The committee that chose the EOY awards was led by Silva, and included administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Senior Kate Ley was one of them, and she felt grateful to be there.
“It was so obvious how appreciated they are in the Creek community,” Ley said. “The love they have from students, faculty, and parents was extraordinary and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to give this award to such deserving educators.”
Knoeckel remembers the feeling when Silva walked through the door. He was watching student presentations at the time.
“I was sitting in the back row, and Silva came in, and I was just like, ‘What’s going on here?’ And then I saw other people in it and the flowers, and it registered,” he said. “I was like, ‘No way is this happening?’”
He noted his energy and his ability to relate and connect to students was important.
“I do a really good job of developing relationships with my students and see them as kids, rather than just as people to be taught,” Knoeckel said. “I do the PA announcing at some of the sporting events, [so] that kids see me outside and realize I’m not just a teacher, I’m also a person.”
One thing both Decesare and Knoeckel think that might have pushed them to be nominated is their dedication to the subject they teach.
“I think one thing that makes me an effective teacher is that I truly love what I’m teaching,” Knoeckel said. “Getting to teaching about things that I love and find fascinating makes me more into it, and I think my genuine interest in the subject matter helps the students feel more connected to it as well.”
Decesare uses that passion to drive her teaching style.
“History, to me, is a story,” she said. “I actually do do a lot of lecture in my classes, because I like to tell the story…Lecture might be going out of fashion, but my kids really still like the lecture. I also do activities. I like to do a lot of debates in my classes. I like to do role plays in my classes.”
Sophomore Yunah Kim remembers what Decesare did for her as her AP U.S. History teacher when Kim was having trouble, both in and out of school.
“She has offered support beyond just teaching, she stays after school, she was always making time to try to help her students, she gave personal tricks and tips for the AP exam,” Kim said. “Last year, I was going through a loss and she was very understanding and flexible, she offered help and told me that I could talk to her whenever I needed to.”
Ley values the award because it recognizes educators that work hard for the community.
“The EOY award is very important because it gives an opportunity to recognize and celebrate all the amazing educators and teachers there are at Creek,” she said. “Teachers do so much for their students and this school and this award is a great way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.”
Despite the honor, Knoeckel doesn’t believe that teachers are here to chase down plaques and certificates.
“I don’t think a lot of teachers are motivated by accolades,” he said. “I think that especially at a place like this, I think what makes Creek cool is that we have a ton of good teachers who are motivated by a desire to help kids learn.”
