Jeanne Jelnick of Uni High School is named one of five OC Teachers of the Year

The rest of the county just learned what IUSD has known all along. Jeanne Jelnick of University High School was named one of five Orange County Teachers of the Year this morning, three months after she was selected as IUSD’s High School Teacher of the Year.

This time the news was delivered by Bill Habermehl, superintendent of the Orange County Department of Education, and a throng of visitors during a surprise visit to Uni. Jelnick, who teaches English, has been lauded for using a number of strategies in the classroom, ensuring learners understand the content at every level. Students say she inspires passion for reading and writing, bringing great works to life by acting out the words on the page. And yet Jelnick’s impact on Uni goes well beyond her own classroom. She’s forged a role as mentor to newer educators, establishing a monthly forum for those entering the profession. She’s also emerged as a faculty leader at the powerhouse school, where she assisted with the creation of ninth-grade “houses” that include English, science and world history. This year, she served as the coordinator of Uni’s accrediting process, dedicating countless hours to complete the comprehensive report. Sierra Vista Middle School's Kathy Marvin was named a county Teacher of the Year in 2009 after being named IUSD's Middle School Teacher of the Year. Marvin went on to win the honor at the state level, becoming the first IUSD educator to do so. To read more about Jelnick's recognition in the Orange County Register, click here.