ESCONDIDO: Educator named state Teacher of the Year

'Rappin' Mathematician' to be recognized at White House

By GARY WARTH - Staff Writer | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:09 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO --- Alex Kajitani, known as the Rappin' Mathematician of Mission Middle School in Escondido, was named the California Teacher of the Year on Wednesday and will represent the state in a similar national competition next year.

"It's such an absolute honor to represent the teachers in California," Kajitani said in a phone interview between classes Wednesday morning. "But I really see this as a responsibility and an opportunity as well."

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell last week announced five state Teachers of the Year. On Wednesday, he cited Kajitani's creativity in selecting him from the five to represent California next spring when the Council of Chief State School Officers selects a national Teacher of the Year.

Kajitani became known as the Rappin' Mathematician after recording two CDs of original rap songs he wrote to teach moral and mathematical lessons to his students. He sometimes performs the songs live to his students, and other teachers throughout the nation have bought his recordings to play in their own classes.

"I greatly admire his passion for teaching, his creative approach to motivating middle-grade students, and his success in making math come alive and relevant," O'Connell said in a press statement. "He is a very articulate and engaging individual who is totally committed to reaching every child."

As the state Teacher of the Year, Kajitani will join other teachers in March in representing their states in a White House visit with the president.

"It's such an honor and something I'm really looking forward to," Kajitani said. "I think this country is on the verge of potentially great change, and I think the same is true for education as well."

Escondido Union School District Superintendent Jennifer Walters said she couldn't be happier about the state recognition.

"Adolescence and teaching at a middle school are an interesting mix, and Alex is one of those teachers who chose to make connections with kids based on their interests, while at the same time raising their confidence and knowledge of mathematics," Walters said. "And for me, that's the perfect mix."

Walters said she is especially happy for Mission Middle School, which has been identified as a "program-improvement school" by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires schools to meet set standards. The school, then known as Grant Middle School, failed to meet federally set targets and was reorganized as Mission Middle School about two years ago.

"A lot of schools like Mission ended up getting labeled as failing, and that's not true at all," Walters said. "One needs just to step inside Alex's classroom to see that's not true."

Kajitani, a Carlsbad resident, was modest Wednesday when talking about the recognition.

"The truth is there are thousands of educators in California doing great things in their classrooms every day," he said.

O'Connell said he was "exceptionally pleased" that Kajitani will represent California at the national level.

"I great admire his passion for teaching, his creative approach to motivating middle-grade students, and his success in making math come alive and relevant," O'Connell said. "He is a very articulate and engaging individual who is totally committed to reaching every child."

Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.