Raphael Kauffmann Named San Mateo County Teacher of the Year

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Anne Campbell has announced Raphael Kauffmann, an English and journalism teacher at Carlmont High School, has been selected as the San Mateo County Teacher of the Year for 2012. 

"In the classroom, Mr. Kauffmann creates a welcome and engaging learning environment in which students thrive,” Campbell said in a statement.

"As a teacher-leader Mr. Kauffmann demonstrates innovative thinking and collegiality," she said. "He has been instrumental in establishing an instructional writing program that helps prepare all students for success in college and career. Mr. Kauffmann exemplifies the professionalism and dedication of the teachers of San Mateo County."

In his early work in the music, recording and software industries, Kauffmann often worked with young people and discovered that not all young people command the basic literacy skills needed to successfully follow their dreams.

As a result, Kauffmann returned to San Francisco State University, his alma mater, and completed the requirements for a CA Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.

He has been teaching at Carlmont High School for the past six years.  

As the English department chair, Kauffmann provides ongoing support and guidance to new and veteran teachers. His duties as a teacher include all levels of English, journalism, and English learner development.

He is also involved with the school’s English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) where he helped develop an awards night to honor the academic achievements of students who are developing their English skills.

As an instructional leader, Kauffmann spearheaded a campus initiative to provide every Carlmont student with a common writing assessment that then allowed teachers to grade together.

As a result, the teaching staff was able to establish a baseline understanding of the students’ strengths as writers and helped focus instruction on areas needing improvement, and more than 1,900 essays were graded using the same rubric. 

“Raphael’s instruction sets a standard that every administrator desires to observe in a classroom," said Principal Raul Zamora in a statement.

"He creates an environment that supports student learning and engages students in the curriculum at all levels,” Zamora said.

In addition, “He epitomizes school instructional leadership.  His team player attitude and positive approach to support student activities and staff members never ends."