David Vixie, an 8th-grade humanities teacher at Paradise Adventist Academy in Paradise, California,  was named the 2005 Teacher of the Year at the annual Disney Teacher Awards.

He was recognized from more than 50,000 nominees nationwide for his exceptional creativity, innovative teaching style and ability to inspire his students. Vixie also won the award for Outstanding Middle School Teacher.

“Each year Disney recognizes a group of 45 exceptional teachers like Mr. Vixie. Our hope is that every community around the country will use this as an opportunity to help good teachers become even better, and to recognize their teachers’ commitment to encouraging and developing the next generation of learners,” said Terry Wick, vice president for Disney Worldwide Outreach.

Both Vixie and the school received cash awards and additional resources from the Disney organization, which has sponsored the recognition since 1989.