SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – A surprise visit to George White Elementary School by CUSD Board President Amy Hanacek, Board Clerk Martha McNicholas, Superintendent Kirsten Vital and Capistrano Unified Educators Association President Sally White was made to announce Kindergarten Teacher Troy Paula Kubly as this year’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year for the Capistrano Unified School District.
Along with Principal Andrew Klinkenberg, the group surprised Kubly during the morning assembly to share the news with the entire school. “What a joy to be here today and celebrate this much deserved award, although for all your students that pass through your class, you are always their Teacher of the Year,” stated President Hanacek. “Every child deserves a Mrs. Kubly and I wish you could be bottled or cloned. This opportunity to shine a light on you and the profession of teaching that you do so well and with so much talent and passion is a gift to all of us and an example to try a little harder, reach a little deeper, and care a whole lot more.”
“Your teacher was chosen out of 2,000 teachers to be the Elementary Teacher of the Year,” Superintendent Vital explained to the students at the early morning assembly. “I am honored to be here to recognize Mrs. Kubly for the dedication and heart she gives to her students every day. Her positive and lasting impact on these young people is truly a gift.”
It takes a special kind of person to teach kindergarteners. Little ones wear their hearts on their sleeves and classroom emotions range from laughter to tears. Five and six year olds need lots of guidance as they learn how to absorb social norms and handle separation from their parents. Academically, the task is daunting because kinder classes cover a wide range of academic abilities. Some kids can read chapter books, while others are just learning the letters of the alphabet. Printing lessons can’t begin until little ones are taught how to properly grip a pencil. The first year of school is a time of growth and achievement, but the process is most powerful when a masterful conductor leads the chorus.
George White Elementary’s Mrs. Kubly has that magic touch with kindergarten students. Despite the challenges presented by a room full of kids with divergent needs and abilities, she is able to make each child feel loved and supported. She recognizes the unique gifts that each pupil offers and encourages their strengths. According to a former parent, Kubly identifies and meets kids’ needs, offering optional challenges to students seeking extra stimulation, while allowing young perfectionists extra time to work (even if that means sacrificing her own recess breaks). Differentiated learning is a seamless process for students in Kubly’s classroom.
With National Board Certification in both Early Childhood and Special Needs Education, Kubly is skilled in handling students of all abilities. She loves helping kids work through their impediments, finding her greatest joys in their “ah-ha moments”. Whether it’s using Darth Vader photos to inspire a Star Wars fan to read or telling a student with presidential ambitions that she’ll visit him in the Oval Office, she finds ways to connect and inspire. High schoolers still name her as their favorite teacher of all time.
Utilizing excitement and innovation, Kubly builds confidence in young learners, paving the way for future success. Her students may be small, but her impact is large. She is the perfect choice for “CUSD Elementary Teacher of the Year”.
Kubly will represent CUSD at the Orange County Department of Education Teachers of the Year program where four teachers will be selected to move on to the California Department of Education Teacher of the Year program.
Pictures are available on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CapoUnified/ or by request.
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