The May and June Teachers of the Month were recognized last Friday, wrapping up another year of recognizing outstanding educators from the Arcadia Unified School District.  This program, which is very much appreciated by the teachers from our public schools, has been a club project since 1991.  
     The May Teacher of the Month is Karl Morton, instrumental music teacher from Foothills Middle School.  Karl earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in ‘Cello Performance from the University of Oregon, graduating Cum Laude, and his Master of Music in ‘Cello Performance from the University of Southern California.  He plays 11 instruments and performed professionally, playing with the LA Mozart Orchestra and the Santa Barbara Symphony.  
     An educator for 15 years, Karl’s band and orchestra students at Foothills regularly participate in District level vertical concerts, music festivals, parades, elementary school performances and at Disneyland and California Adventure performances.  In addition to learning to play instruments at a high level, Karl’s students learn to work together as a team, making their performances come off flawlessly.  Students learn to treat each other with respect, look out for each other, and gratefully receive help from chaperones, drivers, event organizers and hosts, expressing their appreciation.  He often hears “your kids are so polite” and they always write thank you cards upon returning from a music trip.  
     Karl, a recipient of the District’s “Profile in Excellence” staff recognition award, says his biggest reward in teaching is in seeing his students move on to high school and perform great works of music, whether in a concert band, marching band or orchestral setting.  He is also rewarded when he talks with parents of former students and hears from them that he helped make a difference in their child’s life.  
      Karl’s wife Jordan is a college professor and they have a 4th grade son.  Karl enjoys woodworking, string instrument repair, stained glass, and photography.  He also does volunteer construction projects through his church, building homes for needy families.

June Teacher of the Month – Fiona Kitteringham
     The June Teacher of the Month is Fiona Kitteringham, 4th grade teacher at Highland Oaks Elementary School.  She was born and raised in Ireland and moved to the U.S. 16 years ago, earning her BA from California State University, Fullerton, and her Masters from Grand Canyon University.  
     Fiona has been with Arcadia Unified for all of her 7 years in teaching.  At her site she is a leader in using instructional technology, involved with the Science and Math committees and is a trainer for both the Thinking Maps and “Write from the Beginning” projects.  She is also involved with the Caring Community Committee, a creative, proactive child-centered approach to self-esteem, behavior and discipline.  In the classroom, Fiona’s students create social studies podcasts, learn about the life and style of artists, and study California tribes through her Native American archeological activity.  
     Fiona has been married to Wesley for 7 years and they have two children – Kaya (5) and Jake (3).  She enjoys biking at the beach, spending time at Disneyland and visiting family in Ireland.