Chris Mullin
2003 California Teacher of the Year
Mr. Mullin teaches students in grades seven to ten at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Sante Ynez, California. He has been teaching for seven years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
“Teaching is a constant journey to help students make meaning of their world and become lifelong learners.”

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
“I believe that a student can love any topic as long as he is allowed to address the subject with a variety of modalities.”

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
“I have been able to help establish a thriving four year AP Latin program in our small rural high school and a three year AP History program.”

What's the most critical issue facing educators?
“Lack of funding.”

What do you think can be done to solve this issue?
“Educators need to become even greater spokespeople for our profession. Americans must believe that a real investment in education will reap rewards for all citizens.”

One thought to inspire teachers to excel
“A teacher should end the isolation and teach as part of a team, train professionally as part of a team and invest time in professional teaching organizations.”

One lesson every student should learn
“Each student must take full responsibility for his own learning. No blaming, no excuses.”

Favorite Teaching Tool:
“Data projector with a multimedia slideshow and simulation games.”