By Gassia Ashikian
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa High School administration recognized choir Director Michael Hayden on April 17 as Costa’s 2013 Teacher of the Year, rewarding Hayden for six years of excellence.
Principal Dr. Ben Dale and Vice Principals Ian Drummond and Jaime Mancilla informed Hayden and his students that he had been chosen as Teacher of the Year on April 17. Dale then sent out an email informing other teachers of Hayden’s honor.
“It was a proud moment for me because I know that we have an entire faculty that is worthy of this honor,” Hayden said.
Music Theory teacher Mark McCormick nominated Hayden. McCormick co-teaches four periods of choir with Hayden and serves as his staff accompanist.
“I nominated Mr. Hayden because I see a constant improvement in his teaching,” McCormick said. “The students learn more than choral singing during class. Mr. Hayden teaches his students about life through music.”
Hayden currently instructs Advanced Women’s Chorale, Music Ensemble, Multi-Cultural Choir and Concert Choir. This year, Hayden has guest-conducted for the Honor Choir of the California Music Educators Association and also conducted for the Women’s Honor Choir at the Southern California Vocal Association.
“There are many people in my life that have helped me to become the teacher I am,” Hayden said. “I enjoy teaching with my fellow colleagues, and the students are amazing. They are a shining example of what students can be.”
Choir members expressed their appreciation for the effort Hayden has put into the Costa choir program.
“Mr. Hayden definitely deserves Teacher of the Year,” Music Ensemble member sophomore Derek Zeoli said. “I have never had a teacher as great as him. My voice has greatly improved at Costa thanks to everything Mr. Hayden has taught me.”
The Teacher of the Year selection process began on April 15, when teachers submitted their nominations of colleagues. Dale then selected who he believed deserved the honor.
“Mr. Hayden represents what is great in our teachers,” Dale said. “He has a fantastic choir program, and students are learning from an expert in the field.”
A similar Teacher of the Year process was conducted at the elementary schools and Manhattan Beach Middle School as well. A Manhattan Beach Unified School District committee observed the nominees from each school on April 24. On June 5, the committee will announce the district Teacher of the Year.
“Mira Costa High School is truly my home and the talented kids, community and faculty have inspired me to be the best that I can be at this amazing job,” Hayden said.
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