Altus Schools is proud to announce that Audeo Charter School II teacher, Paul Backus has been named the 2021 High School Teacher of the Year by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
Backus served as the curriculum chair for the Energy, Environment, and Utilities, Information Communication Technologies (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence industry sectors. His work on curriculum creation and development led to a UC A-G approved pathway in Energy, Environment, and Utilities CTE courses. This last year, his students demonstrated a zero loss of learning -- a great accomplishment during this season of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about Paul by watching CBAD's High School Teacher of the Year video below.
This pathway consists of two full-year courses: Introduction to Green Technology and Environmental Sustainability. Backus continues to develop the complete pathway for ICT, with Information and Technology courses and a Computer Science Discoveries course, while implementing more of a focus on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
Backus demonstrates his commitment to providing a personalized and rigorous academic experience for each student by meeting their specific needs during lessons and staying actively involved with students' families. He interacts with parents on a weekly basis to ensure each student is successful and thriving. Backus also ensures every one of his students meets their academic goals of graduating or getting caught up with coursework.
This last year, Backus created a new CTE pathway for students and was a successful teacher while working from home with his wife and four-year-old daughter. Backus energetically took on this new way of teaching and implemented virtual instruction with one-on-one Zoom meetings, group instruction, and virtual field trips.
Backus holds the value of “kids come first” at the forefront of his teaching. With this mindset, he supports his students in meeting their educational goals, positively impacts their educational opportunities, and ensures there is no learning loss, even for at-risk students.
Paul Backus has been an inspirational teacher and support to the Carlsbad community. Altus Schools is proud of Backus for his outstanding work. Join them in congratulating Backus for his dedication, enthusiasm, and outstanding impact on students' lives!
Tim Tuter (left), Wade Aschbrenner, Veronica Radtke, Paul Backus, Bradi Zapata, Debora Giaquinta, and Will Berry congratulate Paul Backus, an Audeo Charter School II teacher, as he is named the 2021 High School Teacher of the Year. This award was announced during the Carlsbad Business Achievement & Distinction Awards luncheon on Oct. 14, 2021. Photo by Marcy Browe and shared courtesy of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.