Ron Houston, a teacher at Venture School for independent study, was named the 2005 Teacher of the Year by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.
He is also one of the six semifinalists in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year competition.
Houston, who lives in Danville with his wife Pam, has been teaching in the district for 34 years and at Venture for 17 years. His son and daughter both attended district schools.
Spend one day with Houston and his students and it is obvious why he has been chosen as teacher of the year. His relationship with his students seems uniquely warm and jovial. His students respect him but also enjoy being around him.
Houston seems less an imposing authority figure and more a mentor and role model. He has made the non-traditional Venture School experience gratifying and rewarding for countless students.
“He’s probably the best teacher I’ve ever had,” said Nicole Marshall, an 18-year old student at Venture. “You can have a personal relationship with him.”
“We sit and talk with him about life. It’s like coming to see an old friend,” said Jessica Larocca, a 15-year-old student at Venture.
Colleagues also recognize Houston’s talents as an educator. Houston’s biggest fan is probably Venture principal, Joan Diamond. It was Diamond who nominated him as teacher of the year. Unbeknown to Houston, Diamond put together a portfolio of testimonies from staff, members of the community, parents and administrators, all extolling Houston’s virtues as an educator.
“You want to pick the very best you can think of and he’s it. I think that he walks on water,” said Diamond. “If he wasn’t a teacher he could have been a minister. He’s one of the most reliable, dear, thoughtful people I have ever known.”
Houston understands that every student learns differently, explained Diamond. He goes above and beyond in calibrating curriculum to meet each student’s needs. He is able to see their talents and strengths, and he finds ways to challenge and engage them.
Houston is the first Venture teacher to ever be named teacher of the year. Diamond understands why Houston and Venture are a good fit.
“He’s most successful at sharing himself and his values. He wants his students to live a good life. He is there for them. He doesn’t want anyone to slip through the cracks,” said Diamond.
At Venture, Houston wears many hats. He is not only a teacher but he is also involved in coordinating WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and STAR testing. Houston is also the school’s outdoor education counselor. Houston is constantly trying to recruit students as camp counselors for outdoor nature camps all over Northern California. He believes the experience of being a camp counselor empowers young adults.
“They learn about independence. Lives have been changed by this outdoor program,” said Houston.
Houston spoke proudly about Venture’s Web design team, which took first prize in December in the annual Rotary-sponsored Web Design Contest. The Venture team was able, under Houston’s guidance, to beat eight other teams from comprehensive high schools with bigger populations and better computer facilities.
This summer will be Houston’s second year as summer school principal.
Even after 34 years, Houston still loves his job. Everyday he goes home energized, he said.
“You’ve got to like children. You can’t ever lose that. Just being in a classroom should keep you fresh,” said Houston.
Houston grew up in Oakland, but his family later moved to Moraga. He attended Diablo Valley College for two years, eventually graduating with a political science degree from Cal State Hayward. Houston did not immediately go into teaching.
“I did all sorts of things. I was a dishwasher and a mover. I worked for a printer as a pressman and bookbinder. I also worked in retail and insurance, but I always had teaching in the back of my mind,” said Houston.
Houston and his wife Pam married in 1971. Soon afterward, Houston decided to become a teacher. He has taught students at every grade, as well as adult education.
In 1988, Houston started teaching at Venture School in San Ramon. Although he has been encouraged throughout the years to enter administration, Houston has always known his talents are in the classroom.
“Close connection to students is what you’re all about,” said Robert Kessler, district superintendent at the May 3 school board meeting where Houston was honored. Kessler added that he respected the career choices Houston has made throughout the years.
School District Board Member Greg Marvel, whose daughter attended Venture, called Houston the “Quiet Man.” He praised Houston’s ability to quietly pull excellence out of all of his students.
Principal Diamond spoke eloquently and movingly about Houston at the school board meeting. She summed it up best: “Ron is a great teacher because he is a great man.”
The Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year will be announced in September.
