Rancho Bernardo High teacher a countywide Teacher of the Year

Rancho Bernardo High School art teacher Paul Messerle on Saturday was named one of five San Diego County Teachers of the Year.

A Poway Unified School District winner, Messerle will now advance to statewide competition. He received the county honor during the “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers” televised show, in its 25th year.

Messerle has taught a wide variety of classes, including AP art history, ROP animation, design in mixed media, CTE computer graphic arts, and 3D animation during his 19 years at RBHS. “When I was hired here 19 years ago, I had no idea what the future would be like,” Messerle said, after winner the PUSD recognition. “I was asked to teach three classes that didn’t even exist at the school yet.”

Messerle said in a press release that his greatest accomplishments are seeing his students thrive in their personal and professional lives post-graduation, and having them come back to share those experiences with current students. He has biographies of successful former students posted on his classroom walls.

“Seeing so many of my students going on to work in the arts, museum, education, entertainment and gaming industries truly validates my work. Their visits back to my classroom inspire all of my students, no matter what their career interests, showing them that anything is possible with a determined mind and a dedicated mentor,” said Messerle.