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Pine Valley Middle School science teacher Joell Marchese conducts a lesson about measuring the angles of light in her San Ramon, Calif., classroom on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Marchese was named the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Thursday night. (Cindi Christie/Staff)

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Joell Marchese believes her role as a teacher extends beyond educating her students.

She also educates her peers about using technology to create dynamic lessons. And she inspires teens and young adults to join the teaching profession as educators of the next generation.

A go-getter and self-described "outstanding teacher," Marchese has been named the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year for 2009-10. She teaches science and forensics at Pine Valley Middle School in San Ramon.

"My teaching style is one that pulls knowledge out instead of trying to push information in," said Marchese, 50. "It requires curriculum that is hands-on, minds-on, and inquiry-based."

Marchese was one of three finalists selected from 20 educators countywide who were designated as Teachers of the Year in their districts. Mary Alexander of Marina Vista Elementary in Pittsburg and Steven Ernest of Heritage High in Brentwood were the other finalists.

All 20 top educators were honored during a Teacher of the Year banquet Thursday at the Hilton Concord Hotel. Marchese will represent the county in the state's Teacher of the Year competition that begins next month.

She was chosen for the honor based on classroom observations, interviews and an inspirational speech about what she has learned from students. Marchese said her students have taught her not to make assumptions about them and to keep up with digital technology.

They also helped her create

Marchese, who shares lesson plans by mentoring and offering workshops, said she has received many e-mails from educators around the world praising the genetics lesson. She has also developed a tobacco youth educator program, which has garnered several local and national awards.

"Devoting your life to education brings many personal rewards," Marchese said. "One of the greatest is witnessing a student's joy of learning and discovery, knowing you created the excitement."