Sunset Junior High Spanish teacher Lawrence Carrillo has been named by Nordstrom and Hispanic Magazine as their 2003 National Hispanic Teacher of the Year.
Carrillo, or Senor Carrillo as his students call him, was given the award by a national panel of Hispanic leaders and educators for his innovation in curriculum, subject competence and student motivation.
A 43-year veteran of education, Carrillo has taught in elementary, junior high and high school, was a principal at all three levels, and was director of bilingual education and federal programs at the district level.
But his first love is being in the classroom. Six years ago, after nearly four busy decades, Carrillo retired as an educator but then jumped back in.
"I missed the kids so much I had to come back," he said.
Topping Carrillo's list of favorites is working with junior high kids, despite — or even because of — the awkward age.
"That's why I like it, I feel like I understand them," he said. "I love to see the growth from seventh grade to ninth grade — it's marvelous, it's like the swan (and the ugly duckling)."
Jim Schmidt, principal at Sunset, said Carrillo's leadership background makes him a strong leader within the school. He is active in the Davis Education Association and represents teachers as well as being an advocate for diversity.
"I look to him to help me understand and take care of the needs of the Hispanic kids," said Schmidt. "They're a group that in many cases need some extra attention and he is there to give it to them."
When he first started teaching in Utah, Carrillo taught a 99-percent Hispanic school in Ogden and was the only secondary Hispanic teacher in the district. He said he went into teaching to be an example for other Hispanics.
But the students are what keep him coming back.
"I love watching the light go on in learning when they say, 'Ah, now I see,' especially for those who are struggling," he said.
Nordstrom has sponsored the Hispanic Teacher of the Year program with Hispanic Magazine for the past nine years.
E-mail: terickson@desnews.com