“My personal
teaching goal is to have every student leave my classroom each day having made
a positive change to their knowledge base, whether it be fundamentals such as
reading, writing, or communications, or gaining a better understanding of the
world of science…
“Distinguished
schools are the ones that give their students unique opportunities that may not
be offered at other schools – like magnet programs, field trips, guest
speakers, internships, or access to specialized equipment and technology.
Usually, this costs money and is the first to be eliminated in times of crisis.
However, it is this ‘stuff’ that is precisely what motivates students to work
hard and achieve more because it is fun and different and ‘cool.’… We need to
keep the ‘cool’ in school.” —Riccardo
Magni
Riccardo Magni, for 11 years a 9–12th grade
biology teacher, and science department head at Pioneer Valley High School in
Santa Maria, was named 2012-13 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. The
announcement was made by County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone at a
press conference convened at the regular monthly meeting of the County Board of
Education on May 3. Magni will become the county’s official representative on
July 1.
Magni, one of a number of outstanding countywide nominees
for the honor, was selected by a committee including representatives of former
teachers, administrators, PTAs, and school board members. A Distinguished
Educator was also named and will be announced at the June board meeting.
Superintendent Cirone expressed congratulations for Magni’s
professionalism, enthusiasm, creativity, and remarkable successes inside and
outside the classroom and in the community.
In addition to being named Teacher of the Year, Magni has
obtained 36 grants totaling $45,500 for science education at his school.
He
earned his bachelor of science degree in molecular biology and his teaching
credential from Haverford College in Pennsylvania, and his master of science
degree from National University in San Jose.
He
began his teaching career in Saratoga High School, then moved to Silver Creek
High, Alta Vista High, and Mt. Pleasant High, before starting at Santa Maria
High in 2001. He began teaching at Pioneer Valley High in 2004.
He
currently teaches 9–11th grade biology, 10–12th grade
intervention biology, 11–12th grade AP biology, and 11–12th
grade AP environmental science.
“Making
the class more interactive facilitates learning, especially for English
Language Learners, special education students, or for other students who have
historically struggled in school,” he said. “One of my personal goals is to
create an environment where students enjoy the experience of taking a science
class. I believe all kids can learn and a key to that potential is for the
instructor to motivate the ‘clientele’...By developing a relationship with each
student, I can create the spark that will motivate that student to work to the
best of their ability.”
Professional
goals for Magni were to achieve consistent improvement of student test scores
and to help close the achievement gap. Some 85% of students at his school are
minority and 75% of the students qualify for free lunch. The average score in
his regular biology class surpassed last year’s state average, and 14 of his
students passed AP science exams.
“From
the real rhino skull in my classroom, my pet snakes, CSI labs, and unique
laboratory instrumentation, I want my classroom to be the one that kids are
talking about at lunch or on Facebook,” he said.
Magni
also initiated the Pioneer Valley Summer Science Institute, sponsored by the
Society of Petroleum Engineers. He mentored four students on college-level
scientific research projects. They built a device that could extract energy
from ocean waves. The projects competed in the county science fair, the
district’s first-ever entries in the 56-year history of the science fair, and
won two third-place awards. Two students then entered the project in the
Siemen’s We Can Change the World Challenge, winning the contest in the state of
California and finishing in the top 25 nationwide.
In
addition to his teaching load, Magni also served as assistant varsity track
coach, assistant varsity basketball coach, and library tutor. He has coached
soccer, youth basketball, and track. He has been a science volunteer at Happy
Hollow Preschool, Little Shining Stars Preschool, and May Grisham and Ralph
Dunlap schools.
Wrote
Principal Shanda Herrera: “Riccardo Magni is an outstanding science teacher and
instrumental school leader who improved student achievement by providing
numerous opportunities for unique science skill building…it is his desire to
create a love of science in our youth…Riccardo tailors his instruction to serve
the diverse needs of his students by arranging guest speakers and field
trips...He has used his grant-writing skills to purchase thousands of dollars
of equipment that have assisted in teaching his students. I am thankful for his
work as a science teacher and I am happy that our students can benefit from his
expertise. “
Wrote
student Shannon Patterson: “By encouraging students to adopt independent
reading and study skills in his AP courses, he is ultimately teaching us
valuable skills that will carry us through college…Mr. Magni is also available every
day at lunch so students can ask questions and get help on anything from the
previous test to the SAT. Mr. Magni also undertakes many projects that provide
students with experiences I never thought would be available to us in high
school…Currently we are working on a water testing project where we have the
unique opportunity to use various probes to test the quality of a local water
source...He is the one teacher that has gone above and beyond in any way
possible for his students. The passion he has for science is depicted in his
enthusiasm to teach and motivation to give his students the best experience
possible…It has been and continues to be an honor to be his student.”
Wrote
colleague J. Manuel Casillas: “Riccardo Magni is a very deserving, dedicated,
and responsible teacher who has been instrumental in the establishing of a
strong and diverse science department staff at Pioneer Valley High School…Mr.
Magni’s dedication to the success of the students is evident in the work he
does after school, during the year, and during the summer research program he
supervises…The success that the students experience in Mr. Magni’s classes and
summer program is a result of the dedication, preparation, and hard work he
puts into the job…He is a deserving teacher who needs to be recognized for his
excellent work in one of the noblest jobs, being a great teacher.”
Magni’s nomination
will next be reviewed for consideration as California Teacher of the Year in
the fall. The California winner will then proceed into consideration for 2013
National Teacher of the Year.
As
Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Magni will be available to speak
countywide, and can be reached at Pioneer Valley High School at 922-1305, or at
the County Education Office, by calling Petti M. Pfau at 964-4710,
ext. 5281.
