EASTERN WAKE COUNTY - Teachers of the year in this area’s two public high schools have been chosen and they make up a diverse group. Here’s a look at this year’s winners and how they earned the title of teacher of the year.

They will join a group of teachers from across Wake County that are up for consideration as Wake County’s teacher of the year. The group will be narrowed down to semi-finalists, then finalists, later in the school year.

William Burgess

Science teacher

East Wake School of Integrated Technology

Hometown: Erie, Pa.

Resides in: Raleigh

Wife: Stephanie

One son

William Burgess always thought he’d make a living addressing an audience; he originally planned to be a meteorologist.

These days, he spends his time in front of a classroom helping students master scientific concepts in environmental and physical science.

Burgess began his teaching career five years ago at East Wake. He said he tries hard to make concepts relevant by weaving technology and real-world scenarios into his lessons.

For example, he’ll show students his resume video he sent to television stations when he was searching for a meteorology position. Now, he uses the tape as a springboard for students to make their own weather-forecasting video.

“(Students) get a kick out of seeing me on camera, and I think it helps them see me as a person, and not some drone talking at the front of the class,” he said.

Burgess had many favorite teachers, but said he especially liked Candace Magraw, who taught high school science. “I had her for chemistry, AP chemistry and earth science,” he said. “She always made the class interesting.”

Cultivating relationships with students is a big part of being a good teacher, Burgess has learned. “It helps you be a better teacher, and gives the students somebody to look up to,” he said.

If he could change anything about teaching, Burgess said he would deemphasize standardized testing, and promote innovative approaches in the classroom.

“Our classrooms are set up almost the same way they were 50 years ago,” he said, “(yet) we are teaching the future technology, political and business leaders.”

In his classroom, students use computers, Smart Boards and Flipcameras to complete projects. “They also work in groups of three or four. They learn quickly that working with their friends is not always the best idea.

“Every project (they) do has a presentation aspect,” Burgess said. “Most students . . . hate presenting in front of the class, but by the end of the semester, they get very comfortable.”

His advice for other teachers? “Have a lot of patience, and get to know your students.”

Victoria Mohr

Special education teacher

East Wake School of Health Science

Hometown: Washington, D.C., but grew up in Germany, Japan, England and Turkey

Resides in: Wendell

Husband: John

Seven children

A teacher for 11 years, Victoria Mohr tends to teach concepts kinetically.

“I love using hands-on experiences such as labs and laptop-based simulations,” she said. Mohr also believes in developing relationships with her students.

“Kids learn best when there’s a relationship between the teacher and the pupil. I am a facilitator of information, not a drill instructor,” Mohr said.

Mohr currently is in the special education department, where she teaches biology, applied science and Occupational Preparation III. She has been at East Wake High for nine years.

She taught aerobic kickboxing to both elementary and middle schoolers when she lived in Mississippi, and Japanese when she was on staff at East Wake Academy.

Mohr said her favorite teacher taught college courses. “I admired Dr. Linda Hubbard at St. Augustine’s College when I was obtaining my teaching license because she sparked my interest in special education.”

The science teacher said the best part of her day is when students master a concept in biology class. “I can see the light bulbs going off when they get it,” Mohr said.

Mohr likes to pass on advice given to her in college. “Dr. Hubbard taught me we can make a difference in only one child a year. Any more than that is ‘gravy.’ I am driven to help students succeed in life, not just a couple of classes. I believe that’s what a teacher’s job really is.”

If Mohr could change anything about teaching, she would “love to bring God back into the school system. I think it would help if we started our day with prayer,” Mohr said.

She also thinks teachers deserve more respect. “I’m in my 13th year of college. Most people don’t realize the hard work and effort we put into educating their children.”

Ruthie Margarin

Spanish teacher

East Wake School of Engineering Systems

Born in: Dominican Republic

Resides in: Wendell

Husband: Esmir Batista

Three children

Ruthie Margarin’s favorite teacher had a big impact on her life. She attended high school in Brooklyn and was just learning English. Mr. Mark taught ESL during her junior and senior years.

“He made me feel welcome, and smart, even though I didn’t speak English. He helped me get into college. He had confidence in me,” Margarin said.

A teacher for 11 years, eight of those at East Wake, Margarin teaches Spanish I and II and Spanish for Native Speakers.

The best part of her day, Margarin said, is “when the kids speak Spanish to me– without me asking.” Sometimes students will share a story in Spanish, or talk about something related to the class in Spanish. “I feel like they are connecting” with the language, then, she said.

With her Spanish heritage, Margarin said it’s easy for her to emphasize the cultural aspects of the language in the classroom. She helps students celebrate Spanish holidays from around the world by playing music, bringing food, or talking about customs. Doing so helps make the subject matter more relevant to students, she thinks.

During her time teaching in New York, as well as in Franklin and Wake counties, Margarin has discovered that teaching is not an easy job.

“You have to educate yourself. . . and make changes every year,” she said. “You have to constantly keep yourself updated.” In addition to attending education workshops, Margarin also likes to collaborate with her peers.

“If a student is not into(class) or excited, I research other ways to . . . teach the same thing,” she said.

Margarin encourages other teachers to master new teaching techniques. “You cannot be comfortable where you are. Kids are different (each year). You have to continually update yourself,” she said.

If Margarin had her way, she’d require less paperwork on the part of teachers. “Paperwork and other aspects take away from teaching,” she said.

“I’m very grateful and honored and amazed” to be chosen as the East Wake School of Engineering teacher of the year, she said.