Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 • Diamond View teacher nominated for educator of the year

The staff of Diamond View School said they are proud to announce their nomination of Phil Finkel, eighth-grade language arts and social studies teacher, for the 2010-2011 Region 2 California League of Middle Schools Educator of the Year.

“I am privileged and honored to be recognized by a fellow colleague,” said Finkel. “I think it’s wonderful that teachers in any grade level are recognized for the work they put into the profession.”

Patti Gunderson, principal for Diamond View, said the staff at Diamond View looked at the criteria put into place by CLMS and wrote a letter of recommendation.

Finkel’s teaching career began 20 years ago and 17 of those years have been dedicated to the eighth-grade.

“When you ask previous Diamond View students about their fondest memories, you will no doubt hear Mr. Finkel’s name,” said the letter of recommendation written by Cindie Martin, math teacher for Diamond View. “It seems that Finkel makes it his personal mission to leave his positive mark on every student who has the great pleasure of being in his class.”

Finkel brings the subject of United States history to life for his eighth-grade students using enthusiastic and innovative ideas to get the students actively involved in the subject required for graduation.

“Finkel puts that little extra something into each of his lessons to keep his students engaged and eager to learn more day after day, and that is a sure sign of an excellent educator,” stated the letter. “Finkel understands great teaching goes beyond a textbook. It is the interesting details and the quirky little facts he shares with his students to help make the important connections to our country’s past, present and future.”

CLMS invited Finkel, along with about 19 other teachers from both middle school and high school levels representing Region 2, to a dinner at the end of December in Redding, Calif., at the Cattlemen’s restaurant where the educator of the year for Region 2 was decided.

A teacher from Redding was ultimately chosen.

“It was wonderful to hear the administrators share anecdotes and successes of fellow teachers,” said Finkel. “It was nice to be able to be involved and share in that celebration.”

Finkel’s commitment to the school resides outside the classroom as well, coaching Diamond View’s cross country and flag football teams.

He also organizes the Diamond View eighth-grade annual trips to the courthouse in order for the eighth-grade students to see first hand how the U.S. government works. Finkel helps organize the annual San Francisco trip, chaperones dances, volunteers for fundraisers and helps organize the eighth-grade graduation festivities.

“All these wonderful things help Finkel make the special connection with his eighth-grade students that we know is so important at the middle school level,” stated the letter.

Finkel is actively involved in the Parent Teacher’s Association for the Susanville School District.

“Finkel’s enthusiasm and sense of humor has brought much excitement to Diamond View,” said the press release. “He is a team player and mentor to the Diamond View staff.”

According to the letter, it is with great Panther pride the staff nominated Finkel for the California Middle Schools Educator of the Year.

“It is obvious Finkel is dedicated to his job and the entire Diamond View community. He strives each and every day to make Diamond View a better place for everyone,” stated the press release. “Finkel is a positive influence in the lives of everyone who has the pleasure of working with him or learning from him. Finkel is a true professional, a student advocate and a mentor to his colleagues.”

Diamond View has been involved in the CLMS for the past seven years and Finkel represents the fourth nomination for the Educator of the Year out of Diamond View’s teaching staff.