Top Teachers
Saturday, February 13, 1999
Name: Rod Todorovich
Age: 53
Position: Waiahole Elementary School teacher
Education: Walla Walla College, UH
Pastimes: Kayaking, traveling
Rod Todorovich always loved to learn and wanted to share his interest with children, reasons why he thought about becoming a teacher 30 years ago. He taps into
young minds"One thing that's kept me in the public schools is trying to empower young minds who maybe don't realize what their potential is," said Todorovich, who's in his fourth year as an Instructional Resource Augmentation teacher at Waiahole Elementary School. About an hour each day, he teaches what are called "gap-group" students from grades 3 to 6 who need help in reading.
"The other thing about it is wanting to create windows of opportunity for kids whose parents don't have the money to put them in private school," he said.
Todorovich is a valuable asset to the school, according to Principal Linda Kishimoto. He's adviser to the student council and in charge of the advanced enrichment program, which is similar to Gifted and Talented programs at other schools. He's also a part-time lecturer in introductory psychology at Kapiolani Community College.
Popularly known as "Mr. T" -- because most people would rather call him that than pronounce his last name -- Todorovich has a wry sense of humor and shoots off quick zingers that keeps everyone on their toes, Kishimoto said.
All kidding aside, Todorovich is "a neat colleague, a great teacher, mentor and friend," she said.
By Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
