Sweetwater District Teacher Named San Diego County Teacher of the Year - 10/13/11

Yolanda Sherard of Rancho del Rey Middle among five honorees

Renowned educator Marva Collins once said that "the essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another." Rancho del Rey teacher Yolanda Sherard not only uses this quote often, she embodies it on a daily basis in her classroom.

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Superintendent Dr. Edward Brand, Board Member Arlie Ricasa and Board President John McCann are joined by students to congratulate County Teacher of the year Yolanda Sherard.

In the recent Salute to Teachers ceremony, the San Diego County Office of Education named Sherard one of the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year for 2012.

"It was really surreal," said Sherard. "There are so many people that are worthy and we are all blessed to be advocates for our students."

Sherard began her teaching career in 1995 at Hoover High School and in 2002 she joined the staff of Rancho del Rey Middle School where she teaches U.S. History.

Sherard approaches teaching as something that students must take responsibility and ownership for. She says that the classroom belongs to the students and she is there to guide them to their fullest potential.

"The students let [teachers] be a part of their journey," said Sherard. "I get the opportunity to learn something unique about each of our students."

Since joining the staff at Rancho del Rey, Sherard has become an active participant both on and off campus. She is the social science department chair at the school, she coaches AYSO soccer and is an advocate for issues related to homelessness in San Diego.

"We are so proud and honored to have Yolanda be a part of the Sweetwater District," said Board President John McCann. "She makes learning fun for her students and is a shining example of what great teaching is."