Northgate High School, 2018 Winner
Todd Bauleke has taught in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District for 15 years, the past five years at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Todd is a science teacher who brings earth science to the fingertips of students. He has created a “Walk of Wonder” in the back hallways of the science wing at Northgate, an exhibit that includes a 7-foot-high tornado machine and an infinity mirror. Todd integrated a wellness component to his science curriculum that takes into account students’ mental health and the rising rate of teen suicide. He also created Northgate’s Wellness Day where special classes are held on everything from emotional well-being, to mindfulness, to yoga. On test days, Todd brings his trained therapy dog, Yoda, to class, to help ease student stress.