Leader Editorial: Tobin news provides reason to cheer

Burbank Unified School District had good reason to cheer with the recent news that Burroughs High science teacher Jill Tobin was named one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year. That’s quite an achievement when one considers that there are 75,000 educators eligible for the honor.

Tobin takes pride in engaging her students in their lessons and encouraging a sense of wonder, but she sees it, simply enough, as her true calling. She modestly downplayed her prestigious award, saying she’s “standing on the shoulders of giants.” She may well be referring, in part, to another bright star in the Burbank Unified’s constellation, Rebecca Mieliwocki, who recently completed her year-long tour of several nations and 30 states as the 2012 National Teacher of the Year.

Could Tobin follow Mieliwocki’s steps and receive the nationwide honor? That remains to be seen. Whether or not she reaches that lofty height, she is to be congratulated on taking her job seriously and inspiring her students every day.

Burbank schools may have their ups and downs, but Tobin’s performance in the classroom — and the recognition it has brought the district — are clearly in the positive category. Well done.