Embed This Article Teacher of the Year: Rey Bode photo by Jonathan Reyes Drama teacher Mr. Rey Bode was Varela’s Teacher of the Year 2008-2009. Mr. Bode also acts as the performing arts department chair. [ArticleMedia] Friday, May 29, 2009 By Daniel D'Arbelles Every year at Varela, a teacher is selected to be “Teacher of the Year” (T.O.Y.) by the entire faculty. This teacher has to meet certain criteria in order to be nominated.     Nominees should be exceptionally skillful, dedicated classroom teachers in pre-k through 12th grade. The teacher should also have the respect and admiration of students, parents and coworkers in their community as well as in their schools.     They should play active and useful roles, and the most important qualification is that the teacher has an outstanding ability to inspire the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.     Mr. Bode was voted teacher of the year for Felix Varela 2009.     “Mr. Bode has created a wonderful program in our school. The students have grown in so many ways because of him, and through school-wide plays, competitions, and class assignments our students have excelled on and off the stage,” said Ms. Lara Bukens T.O.Y. co-chairperson.     “Mr. Rey Bode is the chairperson of the performing arts department and has proudly served in this capacity for two years. His dedication to his students, his craft, and his school are part of the reason the faculty and staff has honored him with the teacher of the year moniker. Mr. Bode promotes a balance of community service, high academic achievement and strict performing standards. He raises the bar for his students,” said Mr. Richard Bellon, T.O.Y. co-chairperson.     Mr. Reynaldo Bode graduated from South Miami Senior High, and completed his A.A. at Miami Dade Community College. He then graduated from FIU with a degree in Theatre, and a minor in education.     He taught for two years at South Miami High School as a drama teacher, and also as a cooking teacher (yes he can even cook). He’s been teaching for six years at Varela, and is currently the assistant park director during the summer program for the city of West Miami.     He is also a member of Impromedy, an improve comedy group where he performs every Friday night at the Roxy Theatre.     “My favorite part besides what I teach is knowing that I make an impact and that I make a difference,” said Mr. Bode. I know I make a difference and an impact because I see it.”