Kuehn named 1995 County Teacher of the Year

David Kuehn, a science and math  teacher and head varsity baseball coach at Santa Ynez High School  in the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District, has been named the 1995 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Kuehn was honored by County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone at the June 30 county school board meeting.

The Teacher of the Year program is coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Education Office, William J. Cirone, Superintendent.

A committee composed of teachers, representatives from PTAs and school boards selected Mr. Kuehn. 

Mr. Kuehn has been a teacher at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for 18 years.  In addition to teaching  and coaching, he developed and implemented a self-esteem course.  “In this course, students learn how to cope with pressure, resist using alcoho and drugs, and to be themselves,” he said.   “My best wish for students is to equip them with problem-solving skills that allow them to thrive on their own.”

“I love to teach!” Kuehn said.  “ My goal is to enrich as many students’ lives as possible.  Students are enriched because they not only leave with knowledge but are able to apply what they have learned in their lives.”

One of his former students wrote in her letter of recommendation, “The classroom environment in which Mr. Kuehn teaches is a  pleasant place for learning to occur.  The walls are decorated with uplifting sayings that encourage students to focus on success rather than succumb to failure.  In addition, Mr. Kuehn’s terrific sense of humor, creative teaching techniques, and his desire to help students achieve at their highest possible level entitles him the respect and admiration shown by all.”

Dean Anders, Superintendent/Principal of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District, was equally enthusiastic in his letter of recommendation for Mr. Kuehn:  “Over the years, he has become the ombudsman for students.  Students relate to David and trust him . . . My biggest regret is that we cannot clone more Davids.  His contribution to youth has been extremely positive and a valued service to all of us in the Santa Ynez Valley.”

County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone commended Mr. Kuehn in his letter of congratulations:  “Your accomplishments in the classroom, the school and the community are exemplary.  Your warmth with students in the classroom and your ability to teach “thinking math” that incorporates life skills were observed and appreciated by the Selection Committee.”

Mr. Kuehn was twice selected as a Mentor Teacher for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School,  developing and implementing a self-esteem and suicide awareness program for ninth grade and developing and implementing  teaching strategies to enhance the school climate at Santa Ynez  High School. 

In 1991, he was also  honored by the Santa Barbara News-Press  with an “A+ Teacher Award,” given to exceptional teachers in Santa Barbara County.          

Active in the community, he serves as the school liaison for the Elks Scholarship Program, participates  in the North Santa Barbara County Community Partnership Project’s Task Force, helping to achieve measurable and sustained reduction in drug and alcohol use and related problems with adolescent suicide, suspensions, child abuse, runaways, and teen pregnancy.  In addition he’s a member of the Santa Ynez Valley High School Student Assistance Team and one of three members of the high school Crisis Team which deals with suicide intervention, drug-alcohol problems, and conflict resolution.

The  selection committee also named a 1995 Santa Barbara  County Teacher of Excellence, who will be identified and honored at the August county board of education meeting.

Kuehn’s nomination will be reviewed for consideration as one of five California Teachers of the Year.  The California winners will then proceed into consideration for National Teacher of the Year.

As Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Mr. Kuehn will be available to speak countywide and can be reached at Santa Ynez High School or at the County Education Office, by calling Nancy Emerson at 964-4711, ext. 281.