02/28/2025 -
Credo High School science teacher Dr. Julian Shaw, an educator regarded for opening doors to new learning opportunities for students, has been named the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for February 2025.
Shaw has taught at the school since it opened in 2011 and has developed several programs for his students, including offerings that focus on metalworking, woodworking, and electric vehicles. In 2019, he helped found the school’s robotics team, and he recently secured over $1 million in grant funding to develop career technical education pathways, Credo High Executive Director Andrea Akmenkalns said.
“So much of what is new and exciting here is because of Dr. Shaw,” Akmenkalns said. “He’s been innovating courses ever since he got here.”
The Sonoma County Teacher of the Month program highlights extraordinary educators in the region’s public schools. It is organized and promoted by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) in partnership with local radio stations who solicit nominations for the program via on-air ads.
Shaw learned of the recognition during a surprise classroom visit held Thursday, Feb. 27, at Credo High in Rohnert Park. The visit was attended by Akmenkalns and Shaw’s students, including members of the robotics team who nominated Shaw for the award.
“Dr. Shaw is someone who pushes you to try harder, all with a bit of fun,” one nomination said. “His knowledge, passion, and British humor have made him a prominent figure in our school and a person whom we all respect.”
Multiple nominations touched on Shaw’s unwavering dedication to the school’s robotics team, for which he spends afternoons and parts of his weekend to mentor. Shaw’s willingness to go above and beyond to support his students exemplifies the spirit of the Teacher of the Month recognition program, said Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter.
“Dr. Shaw’s ability to create meaningful learning experiences for students has transformed the educational landscape at Credo High,” Carter said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and innovative educator in Sonoma County.”
As the winner of the Teacher of the Month contest, Shaw received a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union, a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA in Santa Rosa, and $100 gift cards from Henry Mechanical and Bernstein Orthodontics.
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? Nominations for this program can be submitted at Hot 101.7, Froggy 92.9 , Exitos 98.7, and Latino 100.9.
