After being the runner-up for Teacher of the Year eight times, UC High Math Teacher Phil Huszar has finally been recognized as the “2015 Teacher of the Year” at UC High.
Huszar has been in the profession of teaching for 18 years, one of those years as a math specialist for the district. He taught one year at Kearny High, ten years at Standley Middle School and six years here at UC High.
According to the district website, Huszar has been honored as Teacher of the Year by “fellow teachers and counselors for demonstrating a high level of professionalism as an educator, effectiveness in the classroom and dedication to his students” (sandi.net).
Huszar was surprised to win the award this year, because he has been runner up so many times that he was expecting to come in second once again. After being runner up for four years at Standley Middle then another four years here at UC High, Huszar didn’t think he would win running against Teacher Donna Fallon. “She’s got a lot of respect from her colleagues; she’s involved in ASB and works super hard all the time. I thought for sure that she would be the one I would be runner up to for the ninth time,” Huszar explained.
For his award, Huszar thanks his Santa Fe Christian High World History Teacher John Salyer, the teacher who inspired Huszar to become a teacher himself. According to Huszar, Salyer was a very helpful and interactive teacher who was very funny and taught his students well. His teaching was the reason why Huszar became a teacher.
For his actions, Huszar said he received a trophy from 2014 Teacher of the Year Maureen Quessenberry that reads, “University City High School Teacher of the Year.”
UC High English Teacher Brian Compagnone, a friend of Huszar’s, believes he is not only a wonderful teacher but a great person as well. “He’s a real peachy dresser, is impressively sarcastic and has an amazing Zen style to his classroom décor. Oh, and he’s an incredible teacher, too… If you think that kind of thing is important,” Compagnone said, with a hint of sarcasm.
Huszar has worked very long and hard as a teacher to gain this award. He’s taken part in clubs like the Math Club, is the Varsity Academic League coach and was the chairperson for the math department until this year.
Huszar is a very dedicated teacher; in addition to spending time and energy at UC High outside of teaching, he is very informative and fun in the classroom. “I try to make sure I’m always prepared with a lesson that’s meaningful, and I’m not walking in and making things up on the spot,” said Huszar.