For the third year in a row, a teacher from Monterey Bay Academy has received the Alumni Awards Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Tim Kubrock, who has taught social studies at MBA for eight years and is currently in his 20th year of teaching, received the award at the foundation’s annual convention in Phoenix, Ariz., in March.

“Receiving this award is a very humbling experience,” Kubrock said. “I think I’ve still got a long ways to go, but this award has inspired me to become a better teacher.”

Each year, there are up to 20 teachers from across the United States who receive this award out of thousands of teachers in the Adventist school system. This year, Kubrock is one of 10 teachers who will receive the award, which comes with $1,000. The recipients received their awards at a banquet in their honor, which also featured a short multi-media biography of each teacher.

“I’m very excited and honored to take part in this program,” Kubrock said. “I love my job, and I love my family. Their support has made this award possible.”

Kubrock’s enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom have also helped make this award possible. On MBA’s campus and with parents and alumni, Kubrock is known as a highly organized, energetic teacher who always has the best field trips and class projects.

“He is passionate and dedicated to connecting kids to Christ in his history classroom,” Principal Bill Keresoma said. “He exhausts all resources to bring the world into his classroom.”

That dedication is easily seen outside the classroom, as well. In addition to his many field trips, Kubrock also helps coach varsity and junior varsity teams, sponsors the class of 2006, organizes MBA’s annual alumni golf tournament and puts together an optional history trip to the East Coast every two years. When Kubrock explains his personal philosophy on education, it becomes apparent why he likes to be so involved with his students and his school.

“I believe it’s much more important what type of person each of my students becomes rather than the knowledge they learn,” Kubrock said. “I’m here to educate the whole person.”