Singing his praises

Danette Goulet

COSTA MESA -- His normally steady conductor’s hands shook with stunned

excitement Tuesday morning when a delegation arrived to Jon Lindfors’

classroom to announce that he was one of the Orange County Department of

Education’s four Teachers of the Year.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said the 15-year veteran choral music teacher at

Costa Mesa High School. “When I first started this and filled out the

application, I had no idea it would go this far.”

Lindfors knew he was in the running for the honor when he was called

back for another interview after he was named Newport-Mesa Unified School

District’s middle school teacher of the year two months ago.

But he was still unprepared for the group of more than a dozen

educational big wigs -- led by William Habermehl, county superintendent

of schools -- who arrived at his room Tuesday morning. While handing the

shocked recipient a trophy, Habermehl also announced other goodies coming

his way, including a big dinner and $15,000.

Newport-Mesa’s elementary school teacher of the year, Bob Kelly, was

also in the final round of 15 Orange County teachers who were considered.

This is the second time a Newport-Mesa teacher has earned the title

for the county, said Linda Mook, president of the Newport-Mesa Federation

of Teachers, the group responsible for the district-level award.

Lindfors now has a shot at being named one of California’s teachers of

the year.

“Anyone who knows what goes on in his classroom -- the creativity and

caring -- knows he deserves this,” Supt. Robert Barbot said. “He’s very

compassionate and extremely talented. I think his biggest strength is

that everyone can see he genuinely cares about the kids.”

This is not lost on the students who said their teacher definitely

deserved the award.

“We’re psyched,” said Susy Trujillo, 15. “He actually understands us,

and he explains everything. He has a way of putting fun into it even

though we kind of have to do the same thing over and over again.”

Lindfors’ wife, Michelle, an English teacher at Costa Mesa, knew the

children appreciated him, but is just glad to see him get recognition for

all of his hard work.

She said people often have the misconception that, as an English

teacher, she has a more difficult job than he does. But, she said, he

puts in the same 70- and 80-hour workweeks that she does.

“There is just a constant diligence and perseverance,” she said. “I’m

just so happy for him. He dedicates lots of time and loves music, so it’s

exciting for me. I’m thrilled for him.”