Clark is the recipient of the 2005 Teacher of the Year award from the Los Gatos Union School District. The award is coordinated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and Clark will be recognized in the fall at an awards ceremony. Clark was nominated for the award by her colleagues, and those who know her--from parents to co-workers--say she couldn't be more deserving of the honor.

Clark says she was overwhelmed when she learned she was chosen. Clark retired at the end of the school year after 34 years, all of which were spent at Daves Avenue. During that time, she taught third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

"My favorite grade to teach was fourth because I loved teaching about California history," says Clark, who has already moved from her Fremont home to Lincoln near Roseville, where she'll spend her retirement. "I tried to make history come alive for the children by taking field trips, and doing hands-on activities and plays. Fourth grade is primarily the only grade where the children learn about their state."

Clark says she's seen teaching change. The staff now works together, planning and collaborating to develop strategies to meet the educational needs of all students.

"Teachers used to be more isolated in their teaching, and now it is more of a team approach," Clark says. "I have seen the Daves Avenue staff grow and develop into a very united and cohesive team."

Clark says her husband has been retired for several years, so she decided it was her turn. She hopes to travel more and tackle some old hobbies. She may even come back to the school to substitute for a day or two.

"Jayne is a delightful lady, and we're sorry to lose her," retiring district Superintendent Mary Ann Park says. "She's one of those low-key kind of people that's quiet but does an exceptional job in the classroom. Kids love her. It's always hard to lose a teacher like that."

Suzanne Boxer-Gassman, the newly appointed superintendent who will be taking over Park's position, says Clark took new ideas and transformed them with her experience.

"I will miss the children," Clark says. "It is so rewarding to watch a child grow and develop academically and socially throughout the year. I will miss watching them gain confidence in their ability to take on new challenges and meet them with success."

Taryne Kraus, co-president of the Daves Avenue Home and School Club and the mother of one of Clark's students, says her son Jim grew under Clark's teaching since Jim had her for both third and fourth grades. Jim is now more independent when it comes to doing his homework and learning how to study.

"What I liked about Jayne is she was just an excellent teacher. She knew how to manage a class of kids," Taryne says.

In addition to missing the students, Clark says she'll also miss the people she's worked with. However, she added that she won't miss being tied to a schedule, correcting papers and sending out those report cards.