Mike Mullen
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
School: Matsuyama Elementary School
School District: Sacramento City Unified School District
City, State: Sacramento, CA
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Mike Mullen was nominated by his principal, Judy Montgomery.
Mr. Mullen is a man of great integrity, character, empathy and moral values who leads by action. He is one of the cornerstones of the Matsuyama community; he not only makes an impact within the walls of his classroom, but within his community as well. He consistently goes above and beyond the scope of his responsibilities as an educator.
Mr. Mullen teaches robotics after school and can be found working with his team in preparation for competitions on the weekend. His focus is always on teamwork and sportsmanship, not winning. As a result of that focus, his students not only win the competitions, they also earn self-respect and pride, life skills that will be with them forever.
He also runs the MESA program at his school and serves at the regional level. He attends all after-school PTA events, concerts, and sporting events to stay involved with his school. Mr. Mullen has established partnerships within the greater community, including a partnership with a neighboring facility for Alzheimer's patients. His class takes a monthly walking trip to the facility to give back to the community. They interact with the residents and participate in activities, including crafts, music, cooking, and socializing. As a result of this social justice activity, his students learn empathy and kindness.
This year, the community experienced the tragic loss of a parent and colleague. One of her children was a student in Mr. Mullen's class. He provided a safe environment for the child, made daily visits to intensive care, consoled her father, and spent hours in the waiting area playing games with her children.
"His support for the family will continue, as that is how Mr. Mullen rolls," Montgomery said. "Leadership is action, and Mr. Mullen models leadership every day through his actions. I am honored to work with him."
We are the proud parents of Mr. Mullen - We are so happy he has been nominated for this award. He loves serving people. He always is the first to volunteer when family members or friends need help. He is a great organizer and is able to make people want to help others. He LOVES teaching and is a great example to his students. He teaches them to care about old people in care homes, that winning is not the most important thing and that caring about others and making sure they are included is crucial in dealing with those who might not fit in. Mike is a great son. He is always there to help his aging parents and others in the family. He is a wonderful husband and a great father to his two daughters. He wants to make a difference in his student's lives every year with every class he teaches. We get so many positive comments from people he works with at school, parents of students and people he serves in the community. He makes us proud and we are thrilled to add our comments to this award. We love you Mike and are so thrilled to be your parents.
Mike Mullen is indeed a life-changer. All four of my children had him for a teacher and benefitted from his excellent and enthusiastic teaching. But more importantly, he modeled for them what it is to be a caring citizen of this world. He took the students to visit elders with memory problems who light up at the presence of children. He asked that parents forego Christmas gifts to him and instead donate items to a family he knew was in need. He laughed often, wasn't afraid to be silly, but also kept excellent classroom order. And he knew every child in a deep and personal way. We have had many good teachers over the years, but not all left their permanent "fingerprints" on my children's lives. Mike Mullen did. He is a life-changer and very deserving of this recognition.
Mike Mullen is one of the most genuine persons I know. His heart is larger than life and it shows in his smile, his love for others, and his ability to have a good time with just about anybody. Mike has a brilliant mind matched by his humility and willingness to listen and learn from others. His friendship is cherished and his example is moving. It's wonderful to see Mike receive such great recognition for something many already knew he deserved. The world would be a better place if we were all a bit more like Mike!
Mr. Mullen has had a special place in our family’s heart too. He has served us, loved us and made us feel special and important. I have seen Mr. Mullen goes out of his way to help others without complaint and stays until the work is done. He exemplifies compassion, love, hope for the hopeless. He is a man of his word with exemplarary ethics. Mr. Mullen is a shining star wherever he enlists himself, which is sooo many places. Truly the world needs more ‘Mr. Mullen’s’ in it.
Mr. Mullen is far more than a classroom teacher. He, by example, teaches all who are blessed to cross his path, how to love others and to make this world a much better place. He's always humble, kind, patient and never too busy to help others. Congratulations, Mr.Mullen. You are truly the best!!!
Great teacher in and out the classroom. He has taught me many life lessons and has been a great friend throughout the years. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me.
I have known Mike my entire life. My parents are good friends with him and his wife and I can assure you, Mike is one of the most genuine, caring and sincere human being I've ever met. He has traveled across multiple states to support me in things I have done. He definitely deserves this!!
Mr Mullen was a great teacher to me!He always found a way to make learning fun and exciting. I remember being able to feel comfortable in the environment he provided that helped me learn and be a better student. Mr Mullen had a great sense of determination to help others and himself too. We never had a dull day in class because Mr Mullen was always in a good mood to make us laugh and enjoy our day at school! I want to thank him for helping me achieve my goals and never giving up on me even when I was difficult! I remember always being in competition with him to see who said “have a good lunch” first and to this day I still win!! Mr Mullen provided a space to have fun, learn, destress, and just be ourselves. The way mr Mullen taught helped me to remember what I needed to know and didn’t make it complicated for me not to understand. He also took his time to make sure each and every student understood what was going on and did his best to help them! He is kind, funny, patient, and an AMAZING teacher! I am so lucky to have had him as a teacher!!!
Honestly one of THE BEST men I know. I don’t know anyone else who has had such an incredible and empowering impact on the lives of so many. Mike is like a father figure to me, and he displayed nothing but unconditional love and support while I was at my weakest. He truly is the greatest.
Mike is amongst the most kind, caring and funny people I know. He goes out of his way to help people. He gives freely of his time and talents to enrich the lives of those he teaches and serves. Mr. Mullen is truly deserving of this recognition!
I Had Mr Mullen for 4,and 6 grade and i had the best time in his class. He tought me alot and now im a senior in high school about to graduate and i really wanna say that he is my FAVORITE teacher ever
I was lucky enough to have Mr Mullen as my fourth grade teacher during my time at Matsuyama Elementary school. Mr Mullen made my experience so much better and enjoyable as a kid. He’s not only an amazing teacher, but such a genuine and kind person who is so passionate about his work. I still go back to visit my elementary school, and the first person I always want to see is Mr Mullen!
I am so grateful that Mr. Mullen invited me into his classroom and took me under his wing when I first started teaching. His leadership and example helped me grow into the teacher I am today. I would not be where I am today without him. Mr. Mullen is a wonderful teacher, leader, and friend. He is everything one could look for in a good mentor. I will always be grateful to him for his support and kindness. It would be impossible to count all the ways that he’s helped me in my career.
Thank you so much for all that you've done — I only hope I can return the favor sometime in the future.
Mike Mullen will always be my Hero. He went beyond the call of duty to assist me not only at home but in the hospital as well . Mike spent countless hours of time in service to myself and my family. Being a single Mother with health problems and a flood damaged home, Mike made arrangements for the assistance I needed in every area of my life. He truly rescued me and helped me to get back on my feet again. Mike is amazing and priceless. I count myself blessed beyond measure to have a friend who is as selfless as Mike. He is the most charitable, compassionate, and kind man that I have ever met. I am eternally grateful for him and the influence that he has been to me and my family. Thank you from the depths of my heart.
Mike Mullen is an incredible man. Never one to gloat, show off, or "talk big," Mr. Mullen is one of the most humble and kind people I've ever worked with. He goes above and beyond for his students, his school, and the school's community. In addition to academics, he shapes the lives of the young men and women in his class by teaching them about caring, compassion, and patience - all qualities bound to pay dividends.
Mike has been a great mentor to me. I started running the MESA STEM program at Sutter in 2008, and I now run it at JFK. Mike Mullen advised me when I started and helped to bridge students from Matsuyama to Sutter Middle. He is the most knowledgable and supportive colleague. The students all tell me how awesome he is. He is definitely a "Life Changer"!
Congratulation !!! Lung Mike. Thank you for teaching me English while you stayed in Thailand. Thank you.
Mr.Mullen lives near us. He is a caring person with a good family. I have seen students and their parents at his home. He gives of his time freely. My grandson is in the 6th grade at another school and has told me he wishes Mr. Mullen was his teacher. What a compliment.
I can not imagine anyone more deserving than Mike Mullen. He is the kindest man I have ever known and he works so hard for everyone around him. Most teachers today really struggle to be kind and see kids as individuals. Mike Mullen sees everyone as who they are and who they can be. He is incredibly patient and understanding with a pure love for his students.
Mike, what an amazing pastor, friend and teacher you have always been. When my family was going through a financial crisis Mike went through many different programs so I could participate in extra curricular activists. I wish Mike could be the counselor and the teacher at Matsuyama. I can’t thank you enough for all the support even after all these years of graduating!
Mike Mullen is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He puts his heart into everything he does. He will do anything and everything in his power to help you with whatever you need. He has never let me down! If anyone deserves the award, it's him. He goes above and beyond and will do anything he can to help those around him. I can only imagine the amount of students he's positively impacted over his many years of teaching. Thank you Mr. Mullen for being a positive role model and influence for everyone you come into contact with.
I am delighted to comment and to hear of the nomination of Mr. Mike Mullen for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. Mr. Mullen is one of those above and beyond instructors that you as a parent hopes that your child will end up in his class and/or is able to participate in one of his after school activities!!! He is patient and engaging, ready to challenge or help each student at Matsuyama. He clearly works hard to bring out the best in each student, as his award-winning teaching style is matched with his effective teaching strategies!
Mr. Mullen has done so much for the school and the students, not only his own classes, but all students in the school through extra curriculum activities. He's amazing. I hope my sons can get into his class!!
A well deserved nomination. Mr Mullen is a dedicated teacher and were fortunate to have him at our school.
There is no words to describe this man, he is the apitmy of what a teacher should be. Normal teachers would just do the normal and thats it, but this man goes above and beyond. Words cannot describe how grateful i am to have cross paths with this man and still have him here today to make me the better person that i can be. Thnak you brother mullen for not only your teachings, but also loving each and one of us!!
I am Mike's brother. That is how many people refer to me and I'm totally fine with that. Mike has been an inspiration to so many throughout his adult life. I have been blessed to see him in action countless times. Mike does so many things for so many people and he does it all of the time. Some things are small while others are huge. He has been a Sacramento Kings season tickets holder for many years. When he sells tickets to games that he cannot go to, he sells the tickets at face value even though he could get hundreds more. Additionally, through the years, he has given some of his tickets to students, especially if he found out that they liked the opposing team. He always wants what is best for his students and for humanity. During the winter months, Mike volunteers every week to give rides to some of our homeless population. He spends countless hours planning and working for MESA and the robotics class. While doing all of that, he volunteers at church many hours a week working with young people (18-30 years old) and helping them to better their lives. Mike has volunteered his time, with his wife to be a tour guides in Thailand. Showing people the best places to go, etc and he does all of this for free. When the Tsunami of 2004 hit Thailand, Mike went to volunteer there for about 2 weeks doing whatever he could to help. When his daughters need something for their apartment, Mike will go take it to them. Even if it's 600 miles away. Mike loves to help people. It doesn't matter if he knows you or not. If he can help you, he will. If not, he will find someone who can. That is Mike Mullen for you. I'm happy for Mike and proud and honored to be his brother.
Such an amazing teacher and role model Mr.Mullen is. Honestly couldn’t have asked for a better 6th grade teacher. He had a big amount of patience for me and he never gave up on me. Mr. Mullen deserves this title because it would obviously make him happy but he’ll know that his past students appreciated what he did and let him know he’s doing his job wonderfully! Mr.Mullen if you're reading these...let me just say thank you and I really do appreciate what you did for me my 6th grade year..you’re one of the best teachers I could ask for.
Mr. Mullen is a great teacher! I've been interning for him at the beginning of the year observing and learning what it's like to be a teacher. So far, I feel like I couldn't have picked a better teacher to learn from. He's taught me a lot about what it takes to be a successful teacher who produces a great learning environment for his students to grow at their fullest potential. He's been there to discuss and help me processed what educational positions I want to work in after college. Because of him I've decided to teach fourth through sixth grade students. He's also taught my younger sister and brother. Both of them love him! I believe years from now when all of my siblings and I are grown with our own families, he'll be one of the teachers that we'll never forget because he's made such a positive influence on our family.
Mr. Mullen was my sixth grade teacher last year and I’m extremely grateful for it. He managed to challenge the kids ahead of the class and the kids behind as well. He connected with each of my peers individually and made everyone a better person. He taught me priceless life lessons like treating everyone equally and trying my best. He believed in every student equally, no matter what how hardworking or lazy we were. He believed we could all do great things and encouraged us to, which is something I will always be thankful for. Our classroom was a safe haven from whatever we were going through and we could always count on him to have our back or make us feel better. Mr. Mullen made the entire school a better place and not just our classroom. Six grade was one of the best years I’ve ever had the pleasure of going through and Mr. Mullen was an essential part of it.
Mike Mullen is an inspiration to many! I have worked with him as a MESA advisor (now CREST, Capital Region Engineering Science Technology) for over 15 years, collaborated with him in the RESOURCE Science grant at UC Davis, and we cross paths on many committees and trainings at the District level including Induction where he has mentored many a great teacher! Mike Mullen is just the nicest guy and I always appreciate his loving and accepting manor whenever we work together!
I don't know anyone else who would be more deserving of this title. Mr. Mullen is a kind and patient teacher with a genuine interest in every person he meets, his student or not. He is fun, caring, and a positive role model.
Mr. Mullen was my most influential teacher I've ever had in all my years of schooling. I had him in 2nd grade in 2001-2002. He was so much more than a teacher to me. He was a role model. I can't even find the words to describe how much of an amazing soul he is. And not just him, his entire family. He made class beyond fun. I was always so excited to go and learn new things. I also joined MESA because of him which not only helped me get more involved in school but also helped my social skills by going to the MESA competitions and having to talk to all those other students and teachers. When I think of what a teacher is, I think of Mr. Mullen. Passionate, caring, attentive, the list could literally go on forever. I don't think anyone else deserves this award as much as he does. Thank you Mr. Mullen for all that you have done and continue to do.
I don’t know who is better deserving of the nomination than Mr. Mullen! Thank you for your amazing passion and commitment to the kids of Matsuyama! Not only have you made an impression with Aydden as his Robotics Teacher/Coach, you will always be Cassie’s favorite teacher! You lead by example and demonstrate compassion and commitment to your profession! Congrats and good luck! You got this!
Congratulations Mr. Mullen!!! You most certainly deserve this award! So glad to see you getting recognition for everything you do! Thank you! Wouldn't be where I am today without you.
Mr Mullen is the greatest human being ever made and teaching children is not only his occupation, it's his calling! He's the most humbly aware, the funniest, the kindest, and most caring human and truly is a life changer for the good of humanity
Mike Mullen's students keep in touch with him long after they leave his class. His influence stays with them throughout their life. He is an honest hardworking Man who loves his family and his students. He cares deeply for all mankind. He is very committed to the service of his fellow man.
Mike mullen is an exceptional man. He cares so deeply for everyone and stays busy making sure people have the best life they can. Mike is a genuine individual who goes above and beyond his calling in life. He is a very active member of the community and shows compassion through devine service as he has changed my life by serving me while he’s a church counselor. When I was sick and diagnosed with a trachea tumor he vistedvme two hours away in the hospital, he offered to help come clean the yard, house, meals, and rides. He also is a fatherly example to me and I see him as a man of his word. After school nights or early mornings he’s there to transport the homeless to a warm place to sleep during the winter months. He is an awesome man!
I'm Mr. Mullen's youngest daughter and I can definitely validate all these things that were said about him. While he goes above and beyond for his work, he never abandons his family. He always included us in school activities with him and I never felt like he was working too much even though he was involved with so many things at school. Every time I help out at his classroom you can see how much his students love him. It's definitely not all fun and games in his classroom, he's hard on his students because he sees their potential to be better and to grow. He'll do anything and everything he can to help his students succeed.
Congratulations!
Jackson has really grown as a student in your class. His last year was nearly unproductive and coming from another school, I was worried that he would struggle this year. Weeks and months into the year, I have nothing to worry about. Jackson has shown a renewed excitement for learning with you as his teacher. Thank you for providing an environment that he and his classmates are able to develop as scholars and as well rounded people.
Kudos to you Mr. Mullen!
Congratulations Mr. Mullen!!! I am still teaching English in South America!!! It was great teachers like you that led me down this path!!
Mr. Mullen is one of the reasons why I became a teacher! One of the most important things you can do as a teacher is try and make a positive connections/relationships with your students. Mr. Mullen went above and beyond to make that positive connection with each one of his students! He is such a caring, generous, fun person and I really respect him. He made learning fun, especially because he let us play sports on Friday :) He would go out of his way to watch my softball games after school and just support his students. He really took into account what we (his students) wanted to do. For example, He let our class put on a haunted house for the school! Come to find out, he hated that decision, but he let us do it and we had the best time! I can’t say enough how much he truly cares about each one of his students and wanting us to succeed. I hope to be a positive role model for my students, just like Mr. Mullen is. Thank you for being such a positive role model, you are awesome!
Mr.Mullen is one of a kind. He was my teacher about 23yrs ago he does lots of great things like put up nets on basketball courts- even take us to see kevin garnett of the Timberwolves. Mr Mullen also went to bat for me when i was called the dumbest kid in the world by a school psychologist . God bless Mr Mullen.
It is hard to over exaggerate the positive influence Mr. Mullen has over Matsuyama students and our community at large. As would be expected he is one of our most popular teachers and students start "hoping" to be in his classroom from 1st grade where there are introduced to Mr. Mullen via his "buddy" program, where he pairs a 6th grader and a 1st grader for the year.
Mr. Mullen LOVES being a teacher and it shows in all aspects of his life. He loves teaching students how to be their individual best. He lifts them up, supports them, advocates for them and cheers them on. Of course he is an AMAZING teacher simply because Mr. Mullen is an amazing human being. We need more Mike Mullens in this world .
I am at a loss for words to describe Mr. Mullen. Every word of praise I can think of has already been used to explain why he and all the other nominees deserve this award. Mr. Mullen is someone you have to meet in person to experience the kindness, warmth and positive energy that he gives off. We are so lucky to have him as a teacher at our school and a citizen of our community. Please give this great honor to Mr. Mullen, he is so deserving, for his lifetime of being a wonderful human being. Thank you!
Mr. Mullen deserves this nomination! Both of my kids had Mr. Mullen as their teacher at Matsuyama. Thanks to him, both were well prepared for the next grade. He is also very empathetic, warm & fuzzy with every one of his students including mine! Please pick him as the LifeChanger of the Year! Love him & his work ethic!
A well deserved recognition for an absolutely amazing teacher!!! The Patin’s Love Mr.Mullen!!! His teaching style is awesome but he is an even better person!! Congrats Mr.Mullen!
Our family has been very fortunate to have Mr. Mullen as a teacher, mentor, coach and friend. My daughter has been part of MESA and Robotics for 3 years, and her interest in STEM has blossomed as a result. As a part of the MESA program, my daughter has learned about engineering, math and physics. As a member of the Matsuyama First Lego League Robotics team, she has learned about computer programming, in addition to the First Lego League Core Values of Teamwork and Gracious Professionalism. She learned more about mathematics and science from Mr. Mullen’s programs than what was being offered at the grade school curriculum. Mr. Mullen’s mentorship helped my daughter excel in mathematics, and has even inspired her to move beyond the 6th grade school mathematics curriculum. Currently, she is taking an advanced 7th/8th grade math course at the local middle school. Every morning, she travels to the middle school before returning to Matsuyama Elementary School, where she is a member of Mr. Mullen's 6th grade class. Mr. Mullen’s monthly trips to the local memory care facility has also inspired a deep commitment to community service and sense of social responsibility in my daughter. My daughter is not just a better student because of Mr. Mullen – she is a better person as a result.
Mr. Mullen’s dedication to his students is legendary. He spends countless hours before and after school, helping his students with Robotics and MESA. As the assistant Robotics coach, I have had the opportunity to witness Mr. Mullen in action for the last two years. He has a way of making education fun yet insightful. As part of the Robotics team’s project, he challenged the entire Matsuyama community last year with a pet food drive that resulted in raising over 6000 pounds of food for a local animal shelter – the largest donation in its 100 year history. And when my daughter’s classmate’s mother passed away this year, he provided such support for not just the classmate, but for other students who were deeply affected by her loss. His eulogy at the funeral were deeply moving and uplifting, providing comfort with his profound words of love and support. The Matsuyama community is so fortunate to have such a leader at our school – and we feel so lucky to have had him in our lives.
My twin sons are lucky to not only be Mr.Mullen’s students this year, but to experience their second year on his Robotics Team. Mr. Mullen teaches my kids empathy, kindness, organization, financial awareness and an immense sense of responsibility for their classmates, teammates and community. Mr.Mullen is a large part of why Matsuyama Elementary is a successful school for students, parents and teachers. His gentleness and concern for his students is always apparent. My kids have blossomed in his classroom and on his Robotics Team. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives.
Mr. Mullen made an exceptional speech for our family friend who passed away a few months ago.
I appreciate what he did for her and her kids.
Kim Ohara
An amazing person who chooses to be an amazing educator. Always going above and beyond, Mr. Mullen has touched the hearts and lives of his students, their families, and his community. He makes a difference.
Congratulations ????????.. well deserves
Both of my children have been lucky enough to be students in Mike Mullen's class. He brings caring and patience to each student. Mr. Mullen gets to know his students so that he can teach to each student's style of learning. He involves himself in their lives and makes each student, and their families, feel important and included. He and his wife have had groups of parents and student to their home to teach them how to make egg rolls (for a fundraiser). They made the evening such fun that we were all disappointed when we ran out of egg roll making ingredients. (By the way, the egg rolls were delishious and we sold them all!) He attends choir performances, participates in the talent show with his students, and will be at whatever a student might ask him to attend. He has encouraged philanthropy (raising donations for SPCA and monthly taking his student to a facility with those living with Alzheimer's) and models that for his students. Mr. Mullen has given my children a love of math, numbers, and robotics (something they did not enjoy until his class). Mr. Mullen has been a life changer for my children, my family, and many others.
Mr Mullen had both my kids in his class. My son was his student 5 years ago and my daughter was in his class last year. Forever grateful to have been part of Team Mullen twice. He leads by example, teaches real life lessons and not just the academics. Easy to talk to, he's a friend and not just an instructor to his class and their families. My son has reached out for community service credits for high school and Mr Mullen always accepts him back year after year. My daughter reached out to him from middle school for help with a project and he was there to lend a helping hand to her also. My kids know this man who is a past teacher of theirs is always willing to help them even though they are no longer attending that school. I as a parent appreciate that. He's just a wonderful teacher who will hopefully always be in contact with my kids.
Very deserving of this nomination! My daughter has been in MESA with him since 4th grade and is now in his 6th grade class. Mr. Mullen has made a difference in my daughter’s interest in Math and Science and she loves his class!
