Educator’s Lesson

Gene Bedley of the El Camino Real Elementary School in Irvine may have left the classroom to become a principal, but he never really left teaching and his students. No real teacher ever can. The National Parent-Teachers Assn. recognized that when it named Bedley Educator of the Year.

Bedley was honored for, among other things, his personal involvement in the teaching of his students. He believes that “responsibility is one of the most important things you can give a kid.” It’s evidently a lesson that the educator has learned well.

By winning national recognition Bedley has drawn attention to himself and Orange County. More important, his award draws attention to all teachers dedicated to the most important of jobs, awakening young minds to the excitement of a lifetime of learning.