Teacher of the Year Tim Howell is a motivator and mentor

After 36 years of teaching experience Tim Howell still steps into his sixth grade class at La Paloma Elementary with a smile on his face, excited about what the day will bring. “I enjoy the kids,” he commented. “That’s the fuel that keeps me going.”

His wife of 36 years, whom he met in college, is also a teacher. “She is a born teacher,” said Howell. “I have learned the most from her — she has a wealth of knowledge.” Howell and his wife are also youth sponsors at the First Baptist Church of Fallbrook.

Howell has spent 26 of his teaching years at La Paloma Elementary School. The expertise gaine...