2009 – Renee Barbour – California High School
Ms. Renee Barbour is an amazing teacher, who comes to work daily with enough enthusiasm to excite and engage her students every second of her classes. She is an outstanding teacher in the Cal High Math Department. She currently teaches Algebra and Geometry and has a way of making math seem so easy and fun! She uses a variety of teaching strategies in an effort to reach every student. Additionally, she consistently helps build students’ confidence in their math abilities so they can take information they have already learned and apply it to new concepts. Her energy in the classroom creates this positive learning environment that allows struggling students to feel assured that they will learn Algebra and Geometry. Students know they will learn the material even if it takes a little extra effort. Not only does she ensure that all the students in her classes are mastering the standards, she has also led the way in providing all students at Cal High the support in math they need to succeed by starting an after-school tutoring program. Renee, in collaboration with other teachers in the math department, provides students with the individual assistance they need to achieve in the classroom. Another way she facilitates teaching and learning for all is through her position as Geometry course lead. She recently took on the responsibility of supporting students in subject areas other than math when she started working in the skill center which allows students at Cal High to retake classes they previously failed. To date she has already assisted many students in completing work to get back on track for graduation. Renee is also out in the community spreading her math enthusiasm through the American Association of University Women that encourages young females to enter the field of math and or science. She is absolutely someone who embodies excellence. Her confidence in her students’ abilities to do great things inspires them to be their best—to reach their potential. Thank you, Renee Barbour, for making a difference. You are truly outstanding!
