Marilyn Barrett Spiegel
Cred. '99
San Juan Unified announced its two District Teachers of the Year as part of the Day of the Teacher celebrations on May 14. Earl Le Gette Elementary sixth grade teacher Marilyn Spiegel was selected as one of two “Teachers of the Year” to represent all teachers in the district for the 2008/09 school year.
Spiegel began her teaching career in San Juan Unified in 1998 after a successful career as a professional chemist and parasitologist. After being an active parent volunteer in her sons’ classrooms, she decided to obtain a teaching credential and share her passion for science with students. She is active on a number of different fronts having secured nearly $30,000 in grants over the last six years and serving on the district’s science adoption committee and the California Department of Education’s content review panel for the STAR exam. She is also an active member of the Legette teacher/student guitar ensemble when she is not offering before-school, after-school, and lunch-time tutoring.
“I treat students with respect, I hold them accountable, and I
challenge them. I do not accept wasted time and talent. I
celebrate their success and help shoulder their disappointments
and sorrow.”-Marilyn Barrett Spiegel