PeopleNeighbors/Sacramento Bee; September 30, 1999

Out of 2,600 teachers in the San Juan Unified School District, Cindy Suchanek has advanced to the head of the class.

Suchanek, who teaches biology at Mira Loma High School, was named the district’s teacher of the year on September 21.

"I am completely shocked about the nomination," said Suchanek. "I just can’t believe the administration selected me. There are so many brilliant teachers in this district."

Suchanek and her science colleague, Dean Karagianes, are working on a science project at Arcade Creek with about 165 Mira Loma students. The project involves organizing an extensive creek-monitoring system.

Suchanek, who was nominated for the teaching award in May, said she is convinced that the honor is linked to her dedication to the creek project. Suchanek also received the Urban Creek Council’s 1999 Creek Steward Award for her work.

"I think it is wonderful that Cindy was nominated for teacher of the year," said Karagianes. "She devotes a lot of hours with her students, both inside and outside of the classroom."

In addition, Suchanek has volunteered much of her time for community service. She has participated in beach and creek cleanups, helped build a recycling center at the high school and written campaign letters to local and national government representatives regarding environmental issues and conservation efforts.

"My students want to make a difference for global problems," said Suchanek. "I always tell them you have to do things in your own back yard in order to help the planet."

Suchanek said a recycling program that she started about 12 years ago with Mira Loma students now attracts widespread participation.

Not only has Suchanek been a teacher at Mira Loma since 1981, but she also attended the school as a student.

"I was inspired to become a science teacher by Les Lahr," said Suchanek, referring to a former teacher at Mira Loma. "Les taught me everything I know about bugs. He could make science sing."

Suchanek said she also was influenced by Ted Weber, who was a music teacher while she attended Mira Loma. She said he taught her extensively about music as well as art.

In 1972, Suchanek graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a degree in zoology. She then obtained her teaching credential at California State University, Sacramento.

Today Suchanek teaches classes in both biology and environmental science.

She said her greatest educational contribution is to help make positive changes for her students in and out of the classroom, and into their adult years.

Meanwhile, she remains modest about her new title as teacher of the year.

"All of the teachers here at Mira Loma and in the San Juan Unified School District work really hard," said Suchanek. "The nomination was because I work with such a fabulous staff."

AC Thursday, September 30, 1999
Neighbors
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