Randall Carmel, a science teacher at Wooster High School, is the recipient of this year’s Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Outstanding Teacher Award. The award was created to recognize a teacher who goes above and beyond inside and outside of the classroom.

Carmel is beginning his twenty-third year at Wooster. As part of this award, he will receive an unrestricted $5,000 cash stipend funded by the Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation. He received the award at the district’s annual Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 18.

“This is really an honor,” Carmel said. “I have no idea how the committee was able to choose a winner this year. There are so many amazing teachers in our district. To know that what I’ve taught in the classroom has affected students’ lives in a positive way is the reason I do what I do. I hope I can continue to make an impact.”

In addition to teaching, Carmel has been the advisor to the High School Science Club for 20 years, which includes twice-monthly meetings for labs, field trips, environmental service and other activities that cannot be experienced in the classroom. He also manages the high school greenhouse. Carmel was recognized by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History with the 2005 Conservation Teacher of the Year award for his work with native plants.  The native plants raised by botany students are sold to the public as an annual fundraiser to help with the maintenance of the greenhouse.  The remaining plants are used in conservation projects to benefit the community.

A selection committee consisting of members of the community chooses the winner. Along with the nomination form, which is available on the district’s website, the committee received numerous letters of support from colleagues, administrators, parents and students, with one student saying, “He is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person.”

To be considered for the award, the nominee must show excellence in classroom teaching, involvement in creative programs for students, contributions to student growth and development outside the classroom, service to the larger community, commitment to the educational goals of the district and evidence of respect by students, peers and the community.

“Randy is a pillar of our district,” said Superintendent Michael Tefs. “He is respected by coworkers, parents, students and the community. He immerses himself and his students in the subjects he teaches, providing hands-on learning experiences that are vital to a world-class education. We are truly blessed to have a faculty like we do.  They make us who we are; an “EXCELLENT” rated school district.”