Monrovia High 21-Year Educator to Be Inducted into Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame

Paul Dols a 21-year social science teacher and a 10-year Renaissance coordinator at Monrovia High School, will be inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame. – Courtesy photo / MUSD

Paul Dols, a 21-year social science teacher and a 10-year Renaissance coordinator at Monrovia High School, will be inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame in recognition for cultivating a positive culture on campus.

The induction, which will take place during a July conference in Florida, is the highest honor an educator can receive in Jostens Renaissance, a national program that strives to boost attendance and improve academic performance. Dols will receive a ring, trophy, and an all-expenses paid trip to the conference.

“This honor validates what we believe in, which is [that] we want every kid who comes on to this campus to know they are important and have the opportunity to be truly great,” Dols said. “Renaissance changes the culture and climate of our school to make it a positive place where every student is valued, and this recognition is another push to keep fighting and to keep doing what we do.”

Fifty nominations from Monrovia parents and students, Jostens employees, and administrators and teachers from Monrovia Unified and other school districts were submitted to recommend Dols for the honor; which was announced as a surprise in front of his Renaissance class on May 4.

The Hall of Fame induction recognizes those whose efforts have not only made a significant impact within their schools but also in the regional and national community.

“Anything that happens at this school does not happen without us connecting with Paul, and connecting with the students – we want to figure out what makes sense for our school and our students,” Monrovia High School Principal Kirk McGinnis said. “The work that Paul does here on our campus sets the tone for our campus as a whole, and our district and our community at large.”

Clifton Middle School Principal Jennifer Jackson (right) celebrates Paul Dols for being named a 2018 Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame inductee. – Courtesy photo / MUSD

Renaissance, now in place at every Monrovia Unified school, features a student-led team that recognizes peers for educational achievements, attendance, behavior, citizenship, and personal endeavors.

“Paul exemplifies the outstanding and dedicated teachers we have throughout Monrovia Unified,” Monrovia Unified Board of Education President Terrence Williams said. “He is a positive force in the lives of his students and colleagues, and we are blessed to have him represent Monrovia High School.”

Dols expanded the Renaissance program to each Monrovia Unified school, helping to lay the foundation for its success. He attended regional and national Renaissance conferences for the past 10 years to network and learn from other coordinators, and to share Monrovia Unified’s success as a presenter and keynote speaker.

“Paul is an educational leader who brings engagement and critical thinking to enrich the education of his students,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “He is an integral part of the Monrovia Unified family and we are so proud of him for earning this well-deserved honor.”

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