A few of my wonderful coworkers recognized me in my role as a teacher and gave me a nomination. Their words mean so much to me. Above any title, I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to have the best people around me. (From March 2021)
1. Good for Students - Mr. Yip is the most dedicated teacher in the math dept. He truly cares about his students and does everything in his power to help all students learn. One look around his room shows he is all about the kids. He teaches from the center of the room, surrounded by the students, where he can both demonstrate math problems and answer questions while casually chatting with students. As a result, the kids appreciate that he teaches from the center rather than at a distance and it creates a desire in them to learn in his class. This can also be seen by the fact that Mr. Yip has a room full of students before and after school – some just enjoying the environment, but most seeking help. His availability to them is key to their success. Additionally, even though Mr. Yip teaches mostly upper-level math classes, he is willing to help any student who walks in his door with any level of math they need.
Ricky Yip is a hardworking, dedicated, supportive teacher for all of his students. He volunteers extra time to give students help in difficult subjects and caters his presentation of curriculum with student success as the top priority. Ricky is inclusive and welcoming to all students and his room is open during lunch and after school for students to get the extra help that they need. Ricky regular participates in showcasing the great work of his students through the 4A program. As you’ll see below, Ricky is also the most selfless supporter of activities, arts, and athletics on our campus.
Ricky Yip is continually recognized as the best teacher on campus by his colleagues, and more importantly, but the students. I have never heard a student speak poorly of him, and he is more dedicated to student learning than any other teacher on campus. He is willing to help out ANY student with ANY level of math. In all my years talking with him before or after school, I have never seen him turn away any student, even those that are not in his classes. He honestly believes that every student who needs help should get it. He does more for students at this school than any other teacher on campus, and it’s not even close.
Ricky goes above and beyond for his students. A good teacher does not only teach but makes himself available to those who still need help after class. Mr. Yip is available before school and after school for ALL those that need help. He loves math and it shows in his instruction.
2. Good for the school - Mr. Yip’s presence at school events is ubiquitous. He has amassed more action points than other staff member for good reason. It can be said no event is an event unless Mr. Yip in attendance and he does not limit himself to just events right after school. He is as likely to attend a football game as he a drama production – and somehow will come to both even if they are held the same night. Mr. Yip’s pro-Bonita attitude benefits all aspects of the school. It is important for staff to support the school and Mr. Yip does that every single day.
Ricky is hands down the greatest supporter of arts performances, sporting events, and voluntary activities outside of the school day at Bonita High School. He truly enjoys supporting these groups and has a greater connection to his students as a result. Ricky collaborates regularly with his peers at Bonita to share best practices and improve his own teaching ability. He is a part of the newly formed Equity Committee dedicated to advocating for fair treatment of all students at Bonita High School. Ricky is also one of the most humble teachers I have ever worked with, always quick to bring out the best in others and deflecting attention away from his many accomplishments.
Ricky Yip goes to more school events than anyone else on campus. He is a welcome presence at any charity event, sporting event, community service event, or rally. He is always willing to help with students, parents, or staff in any of these events. He gives more time to this campus than any other teacher, and his universal acclaim by students, parents, and staff is a testament to that. He has led the school in Action Points from Day 1, and it’s not even close. Lest I forget, he also has re-written the math curriculum for every level he has taught, and he offers his materials to any math teacher in need.
Ricky is at most sporting events supporting the students as well as the school. He is always positive and it shows in all that he does.
3. Good for the community - Mr. Yip is not just good for the community, he is building the Bonita community. When you combine his dedication to both his students and the school as a whole, it is clear that no other teacher is as much a part of the Bonita community as Mr. Yip. This is something that parents notice as well. When I think about which teachers I want my children to have, it’s not hard to choose the guy who is everywhere, always involved. Anyone who puts the kind of effort into their profession as Mr. Yip can easily be trusted to teach my kids math – and the many life lessons that come with the education Mr. Yip provides.
Ricky represents Bonita High School, volunteering a week of his summer vacation each year as a grader for AP exams. When not in the pandemic this requires traveling to Kansas City, MO and grading AP submissions from across the country for 8 hours a day for 7 days. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional development for Ricky and he uses the knowledge he gains there to be a better teacher to his students. As stated above, Ricky is also very visible in the La Verne community as a supporter of several student groups and activities, benefitting the community as a whole. Ricky is also extremely professional in all of his interactions with students, staff, administration and parents, and would be an exemplary representative of the school and the district as teacher of the year.
As stated above, Ricky is a constant presence at every school and community event. He not only helps at these events, but he also demonstrates leadership for students and fellow staff members.
When Ricky isn’t involved in an official service project, he is also routinely seen doing small projects on his own (like his shoe donation campaign for the group homes).
Ricky is a model Bearcat, and a model citizen of our community. We are lucky to have him, and there is no teacher more deserving of this award.
Mr. Yip goes out of his way to help his students, to support them and the staff. A teacher that tries so hard to help all is nothing short of an assess to the community he serves.
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