By Emily Petillon
Managing Editor
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson chose Mira Costa Choir Director Michael Hayden on Oct. 29 as California Teacher of the Year for the 2013-14 school year.
Hayden and four other California teachers were selected out of 11 finalists based on their applications and classroom evaluations.
“When I found out, I was sitting and meeting with the Manhattan Beach middle school and elementary school choir directors,” Hayden said. “I got the phone call, and I just burst into tears because I was so happy.”
Previous Teachers of the Year will swear in the five new Teachers of the Year on Dec. 2. They will receive banquets in their honor in Sacramento on Feb. 3.
“Everyone keeps saying that this is going to be one of the most wonderful years of my profession,” Hayden said. “I feel that my life is going to be shifted, and it’ll all just be tremendously exciting. It’s hard to not smile and be joyous.”
According to Advanced Women’s choir member junior Rhein Matlack, the choirs are extremely proud and excited for the opportunities that this honor will bring to Costa.
“You can tell he loves what he does,” Matlack said. “He works hard to make choir the best it can possibly be.”
Out of the five finalists, Hayden was the only performing arts teacher. He will be a voice for the arts in California for the next year by speaking at schools and addressing teachers’ questions.
“I cannot wait to be a voice for the arts,” Hayden said. “I think that it’s something that we have needed for a long time, and I feel a lot of responsibility to make sure that my voice is not only heard but is passionate and can express what the arts truly do for our students.”
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