RHS Teacher Earns County Excellence in Teaching Award

Carl Rosin, a teacher at Radnor High School and the chair of its English department, has been named a recipient of the 2012 Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award, presented by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. The award recognizes exceptional, innovative teachers whose dedication has left a strong and lasting influence on their students.

“The thing that matters most to me is that I come up with a class that rewards people for their curiosity,” said Rosin, who has taught at Radnor High School for 13 years. “I want kids to understand how the world is an interesting place and that means I have to be continually taking my cues from them to make sure that I’m coming up with stuff that is not only important but also engaging.”

Rosin joins 18 other award-winning teachers from Delaware County’s 14 other school districts, the DCIU, and three non-public educators. He will receive a $500 cash award, a commemorative keepsake, and $1,000 to benefit Radnor High School at an April 19 ceremony.

Rosin does not know which of his students nominated him, but believes he or she was in a past philosophy class and is now either a senior in college or has already graduated. He learned of his award from Radnor High School principal Mark Schellenger while reviewing vocabulary during his 6th-period class. His students applauded upon hearing the news.

“For Mark to tell me in front of my students was a very powerful moment for me,” Rosin said.

Rosin began his teaching career in Massachusetts, where he taught for two years before moving to Radnor. Prior to entering education, he worked for a software company as a technical writer and a user interface designer. He also did some consulting work and was a crossword puzzle editor.

“I wanted to do something that was more service oriented,” Rosin said about his reason for becoming a teacher. “I wanted to be in a place where I had the opportunity to help kids who needed help and help push kids who needed to be pushed.”

Rosin currently teaches mostly freshmen and juniors in English, Viewpoints on Modern America, Creative Writing, and Philosophy classes. He began his career teaching mostly freshmen and sophomores. He has been the chair of the English department for six years.

“I think the kids here are more thoughtful overall than anywhere else I’ve been,” Rosin said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with them and to get to know their families. I really cherish being part of the community. I am looking forward to the next many, many years I’m going to have the children of my friends coming through Radnor High School.”

The Thursday, April 19 “Partners in Learning Celebration” where Rosin will be recognized begins at 5 p.m. at The Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center, 4700 Drexelbrook Drive, Upper Darby, PA. For a list of the other Excellence in Teaching Award winners, visit www.dciu.org.