Petaluma teacher wins Marin award

<p>Petaluma resident Mark Peabody, the founder and director of Marin School of the Arts in Novato, will be presented with an award Thursday for being named the Teacher of the Year by the Marin County Office of Education.</p><p>Peabody, who also teaches at the school, received the honor because of his innovative approaches to education.</p><p>“I had the opportunity to create something from the ground up, so I designed every little piece,” he told the Argus-Courier in an interview in the June 14, 2006 issue. “We try to put elements into the program that are missing from public education.</p><p>“Our mission was to be immediately successful on every level, and I feel that we have been. We work closely with students so they can achieve their dreams, whatever they are.”</p><p>By winning the county prize, Peabody became eligible to compete for the state Teacher of the Year award.</p>