KSEE - Educator of the Week » Educator Stories

Educator of the Week - Christi Wood

By KSEE News
November 21, 2011 Updated Nov 18, 2011 at 10:12 PM PDT

"Don't forget to draw an important symbol...Find a quote to back up what your symbol means."

Christi Wood means everything to the kids at Sunnyside High School. And to say she wears many hats, is a bit of an understatement.

"I realize I'm not only their teacher but their parent, their counselor, their mentor, their guidance counselor...Someone who's going to push and encourage them."

Miss Wood founded two important programs at the school. They help prepare her students for college and beyond. The PHS Academy is geared towards those interested in criminology, education and social services. The AVID program lasts 4 years and helps prep students for law and medical careers.

"99% of the kids in AVID are the first generation in their family to ever go to college. They're the first even for a 4-year college. And for many, even the first to graduate high school."

The incredible impact Miss Wood has on her students, is difficult to put into words. But, as always, her students....Do it flawlessly.

"I'd like to thank her for pushing me (crying)...Oh my gosh....She helped me so much with college. Some people don't have as much faith in me as she does. And I really appreciate her."

"I love her as if she were my parent. I just want to tell her, thank you for helping me get this far. I don't think I would be able to get my eyes set on a goal so high, if she didn't influence me at the end of my sophomore year."

"Hope the rest of your day is filled with sunshine, love or rainbows! And remember, your teacher loves you best of all."

The feeling, is mutual. Christi Wood, the epitome of what every teacher should be....And KSEE24's Educator of the Week.

Miss Wood also started a community service project. Her kids are responsible for maintaining a park every Saturday. And eight of her students this year will be attending Ivy League universities, next fall.

And if you'd like to nominate someone to be our Educator of the Week, it's easy! Just go to our website, KSEE24.com, then, click on "community," then "submission." Tell us why your choice should be Educator of the Week!

Every week, the winning teacher and her classroom will receive a $124 gift certificate from GW School Supply. They'll also get their names engraved on a brick on the 'Teacher and Friends of Education Honor Wall', at Fresno State's Kremen School of Education.

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.