As a teacher, it’s not every day the chance comes along to step foot on both Bay Area professional baseball teams’ infields.
For Mt. Madonna Continuation School lead teacher at AdvancePath Academy Rick Charvet, witnessing Tim Lincecum’s no-hitter was just icing in the cake as the teacher brought in $2,000 as one of five top finalists for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s All-Star Teacher Award.
It’s not because of Charvet’s diving slider or off-speed pitches, however. It’s because of his teaching skills.
Although Charvet came up just shy of the top spot to receive $20,000 courtesy of Comcast SportsNet and Provident Credit Union that went to Twin Hills Charter Middle School’s Nicole Ellwood, he was proud to represent live before a national audience June 25 during an on-field ceremony prior to the Giants/Padres game at AT&T Park.
“Thank you so much for nominating me,” Charvet said in an email to Mt. Madonna/AdvancePath Academy principal Jennifer Del Bono. “June 25 will be a memorable day for all of us.”
Charvet also set foot afield prior during an Oakland A’s pregame.
Now in its eighth year, the All-Star Teacher Award recognizes excellence in middle and high school teachers in northern and central California for their extraordinary dedication to their students and their significant presence within their respective communities.
This year’s five finalists included Charvet; Sarah Coyle of Roosevelt School (Redwood City); winner Nicole Ellwood of Twin Hills Charter Middle School (Sebastopol); Jessica Lura of Bullis Charter Schools (Los Altos); and Alyssa Neilson of Half Moon Bay High School (Half Moon Bay).
A panel of community leaders selected finalists based on overall commitment, excellence in teaching, rapport with students and level of distinction.
More about Charvet
Charvet has taught K-12, GATE, comprehensive high school and Adult Education for 23 years in the Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD), according to his biography at csnbayarea.com.
He’s been a face of inspiration for hundreds at-risk youth at AdvancePath Academy and has been active in sports coaching as well.
“Primarily an art teacher, but educated on nearly every subject, his compassionate teaching style helped many students succeed with their personal/educational goals. Charvet’s most impressive accomplishment helped a student (slated for expulsion) not only graduate high school, but earn a $44K merit scholarship to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago,” his bio read.
Here’s what some people are saying about Charvet:
— “Hands-down by far the absolute best teacher by son ever had in Gilroy!”
Linda Blue
— “From the very beginning Mr. Charvet helped me through it all and constantly reminded me that I wanted my High School diploma, he could see that I wanted this badly and believed that I could make it happen.”
Daniel Casas, Class of 2012
— “Mr. Charvet is amazing, I wouldn’t have graduated high school if it hadn’t been for him, and I know many others can say the same. He is an inspiration to students and teachers alike!”
Blaine Hyland
— “He makes us all believe in ourselves more than anyone ever has.”
Emmanuel Roman
— “One of the most memorable teachers I’ve had.”
Amanda Rivera
Information provided through comments at csnbayarea.com.
