California Educator

April/May 2021

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he encourages students to venture outside of their comfort zone, and he accepted the nomination. But it was nerve-wracking to lm his classes for judges during the pandemic while he was also mastering the art of online teaching, guring out technol- ogy, and helping students deal with depression or anxiety related to the trauma they had suered. "ere was enormous stress. I didn't want to mess up or let anyone down." Always striving to be better Klipfel is humble when asked to describe his best qualities, but his colleagues in the social studies department and fellow HDTA members are happy to share what makes him a great teacher. "Jim is the type of person who makes everyone around them want to be better," says Nicole Ketaily. "He sets the bar high. He leads by example and with intensity that is rooted in a desire for others to succeed. As a young educator, I am grateful for his leadership and inspiredby his passion. He takes time to invest in theyounger generation and pass on wisdom gained through both successes and stumbles." David Russell says Klipfel is amazing. "He unrelentingly challengeshis stu- dents to be the best version of themselves. Jim is willing to help students before, during and after school. He's the first to get to work and last to leave." "In three decades of teaching, I have yet to cross paths with anyone like Jim Klipfel," says Adam Bratt. "He consistently expects the most from himself before ask- ing for sacrices from anyone else. He is a true master of his profession, beloved by students, and a Hall of Fame colleague." A 30-year teacher, Klipfel earned his bachelor's degree from UC Davis and his teaching credential from UC Irvine. He pres- ently teaches 11th grade AP U.S. history and coaches swimming at Saugus, where he has also advised the Science Olympiad team, overseen the journalism program, and helped struggling junior high school students with an intervention class. Klipfel was raised in Nebraska and Southern California and is one of eight children. He had a happy childhood, but it was often "survival of the ttest" with so many siblings. He became a teacher to oer students personalized attention and be the men- tor and personal motivator he thinks most young people seek. Student motivation, confidence His mission is inspiring teens to acquire dreams, motivation, condence and skills. If there is one thing he has learned from recent challenges, it's that students need adults more than ever. "e average high school student doesn't have a clear dream yet," says Klipfel. "I encourage them to spend 15 to 20 minutes a week looking at rewarding careers, doing personality tests on jobs they are interested in, and then focusing on elds they are passionate about. Once they figure it out, they will find they can't wait to get up in the morning and go to class. ey will be more motivated, happier and successful." Personal growth is also important to Klipfel. He is inspired by the Japanese concept of "kaizen," the focused dedication to improvement. He seeks feedback from students' evaluations and takes their comments to heart. He has become more empathetic since the shooting, spending the start of every class discussing a mental health topic. "Today we discussed how people can choose miser y or strength," he shares. "For example, if a student asked ve peo- ple to go to the dance and ve say no, that student can either grow frustrated and depressed or reect on ways to grow from rejection. Another example is if a student gets a poor grade, they can decide to take only easy classes. Or they can try harder. It's all about making choices that make you stronger." Klipfel is glad that he made the choice of entering the Teacher of the Year competition. Not only has it made him more intro- spective about his own teaching, but it has put a spotlight on the community he loves in Los Angeles County. " This award is the honor of a lifetime, and something I received during an extremely challenging period of my life," says Klipfel. "I am fortunate to have a job that I love. And I am extremely grateful to have the support of my wonderful com- munity, inspiring colleagues and amazing students for making this happen. is was really a school and sta of the year honor, not just about me." Watch Klipfel's speech as he is honored at CTA State Council in April at youtube.com/CaliforniaTeachers. "Once students figure out their dream, they will find they can't wait to get up in the morning and go to class. They will be more motivated, happier and successful." The new high school Wellness Center. 49 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 21

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