Goddard Middle School Teacher Makes History Come Alive

It's the same before the start of every school year.

The summer temperatures peak, thunderclouds billow in the distance and children and teachers prep for school. For Goddard Middle School teacher Nanci Drouin it is the thrill of anticipation she loves most.

"I get excited. I get butterflies in my stomach when school starts," Drouin said. "I love to see the little new kids. When they get into something they get excited. It's very fun and rewarding and I love it."

Drouin was honored as Glendora Unified School District 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.

The educator has taught at Goddard for 20 years—in the very same classroom she teaches in today with the very same zeal for spreading knowledge.

The sixth grade social studies, history and English teacher started at Goddard in 1992. She received her history degree from UC Santa Barbara. She then went to CSU Fullerton where she earned her teaching credential and went to APU where she earned her masters in education with an emphasis in counseling.

Drouin makes history come alive and brings a rich tapestry of culture right to her student's desks.

Some of her activities are very hands on.

One of her classes held a fashion show, where they studied a Chinese Emperor. The students then fashioned a robe adorned with symbols representing that emperor. Drouin even decorated the classroom, complete with a red carpet and Chinese music.

Her children especially love ancient Egypt.

"Everything is old and dead and gross and they love the blood and guts. Their eyeballs just light up, Drouin said.

From a faculty standpoint, she loves the cohesiveness she has with her group of sixth grade teachers, whom she said have the same enthusiasm and hands-on approach.

Drouin was very surprised to learn she was bestowed with Teacher of The Year honors.

"I was very excited. They [Superintendent Voors and Goddard Principal Brock Jacobsen] came in and they had flowers," Drouin said. " I thought they were observing. I was very honored."

Jacobsen praises Drouin for her enthusiasm and attitude.

“Not to underscore the importance of preparation, but if simply given a classroom full of students and a standard to teach on the fly, Nanci would deliver a world class lesson," Jacobsen said in a press release.

Drouin's philosophy of teaching is simple.

"I believe, truly, that every kid that comes in all have something to offer," she said. "They all can learn they all are these amazing kids. They all have value."

Drouin will be honored at the LA County Teacher of the Year luncheon at the Hilton in Universal City Sept. 23.