Señor Steve Browning with period six Spanish 4-5 class
MADERA COUNTY – Longtime Yosemite High School teacher Steve Browning was recently presented with an Excellence in Education Award naming him Teacher of the Year for Madera County, according to the County Office of Education. Also known as Señor Browning, the gifted and beloved educator teaches Spanish at YHS.
“The selection of Senor Browning as Madera County’s Teacher of the Year is tremendous,” says YHS Principal Randy Seals. “He is a man of passion, and that enthusiasm fuels his drive to deliver first-class instruction to our students each and every day. He pushes every student to give best effort not only in the classroom and in their studies, but most importantly, in life.”
Just as critically, says Principal Seals, Browning provides students a great example of what it is to be truly successful.
“He is humble, yet confident. He doesn’t have time for nonsense, but his spirit and laughter fills the room,” Seals continues. “He is humorous and students gravitate to him naturally. Steve absolutely loves kids and they, in turn, love him. I am privileged to work on the same team as Steve. Señor Browning is the ideal selection as Madera County’s Teacher of the Year.”
Browning was honored at the 9th annual Excellence in Education Award Ceremony, held to highlight the dedication of Administrators, Employees and Teachers from Madera County School Districts. The event sponsored by the Educational Employees Credit Union was held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Madera Municipal Golf Course in the St. Andrew’s Ballroom.
Present were Señor’s friends and family, including spouse Jennifer, along with local elected officials, Madera County School District Superintendents and staff from throughout the county. Retired Madera County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sally Frazier served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“I attended the ceremony and can say Steve does an amazing job teaching our students and he did an equally amazing job sharing that passion with all in attendance at the awards night,” says Yosemite Unified School District (YUSD) Superintendent Jim Sargent. “He is a great credit to YUSD and YHS and continues to inspire others with his enthusiasm.”
A selection committee of four Madera County business and community leaders met to choose the 2015 recipients. Applications were reviewed and scored by each member of the committee. A personal interview was also required.
Dr. Cecilia A. Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools, noted that the evening was to “award honors to special individuals who demonstrate their passion and commitment to children and their families in our schools. We celebrate the accomplishments of educators and instructional staff from throughout Madera County who make a difference on a daily basis.”
Señor Browning offered a heartfelt speech and was honored to receive the award. He says the best thing about teaching is, “the kids,” and also, “summer.” After coaching the award-winning YHS Academic Decathlon Team Browning for years, Browning says he has accumulated “a multitude of useless facts,” as a result. Señor says being with the kids has “kept him young” and he’s grateful for that because kids are always “so fun and vibrant.”
It’s helps when they have great teachers.
