Teachers Network celebrates outstanding teachers, adds team recognition

A new category of recognition for the first time honored Instructional Strategy Teams as the Teachers Network celebrated its 22nd year of recognizing and sharing outstanding teaching ideas at a gala Education Celebration at the Rancho Santa Barbara Marriott in Buellton on Thursday, May 18 sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO).

Instructional Strategy Teams work together to develop effective teaching strategies for raising student achievement. These teams include 32 teachers throughout the county. Their names are attached.

The Venoco, Inc. Crystal Apple Educator Awards were given in five categories in North and South County:

North County:
Elementary Teacher:  Monique Segura, Alice Shaw Elementary, Orcutt Union School District
Secondary Teacher:  Jane Fesler, Lakeview JHS, Orcutt Union School District
Certificated Support Provider:  Jan Hermann, SBCEO Resource, SBCEO
Administrator:  Nancy Morris Homan, Alvin Elementary, Santa Maria-Bonita School District
Classified Employee:  Diane Valenzuela, Migrant Education, SBCEO

South County:
Elementary Teacher:  Janet Imel, Washington Elementary, Santa Barbara Elem. School District
Secondary Teacher:  Jack Hobbs, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School District
Certificated Support Provider:  Daniel Schradermeier, Los Robles High School, SBCEO
Administrator:  Jim Campos, Main Elementary, Carpinteria Unified School District
Classified Employee:  Lynne Martinez, Canalino Elementary, Carpinteria Unified School District

In addition, eight Santa Barbara County teachers were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in cutting-edge action research and educational leadership. These eight teachers are all Teachers Network Leadership Institute MetLife Fellows: Beverly Abrams, Santa Barbara Charter School, Santa Barbara Elementary School District; Kathy Gallo, Mountain View Elementary School, Goleta Union School District; Kip Glazer, Righetti High School, Santa Maria Jt. Union High School District; Lori Hill, Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara High School District; Oranne Lee, Isla Vista Elementary School, Goleta Union School District; Sam Muir, Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara High School District; Mary Post, Foothill Elementary School, Goleta Union School District; and Dan Turner, El Camino Middle School, Lompoc Unified School District.

TeachNet grants were also given to Jeff Foote, McKenzie Junior High School, Guadalupe Union School District; Alan Soenke, Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara High School District; Phil Landfried, Mountain View School, Goleta Union School District; and Jack Meyer, Carpinteria Middle School, Carpinteria Unified School District.

The Teachers Network is designed to recognize and share outstanding teaching ideas that Santa Barbara County’s teachers have developed. It also provides opportunities for its teacher members to enhance teacher leadership skills for schoolwide reform. It is part of a national program with more than 30,000 teacher members. Business partners provide the funding, through this cost-effective program for teacher grants, teacher attendance at recognition events, and the annual Curriculum Catalog. The Santa Barbara County Education Office provides funding for day-to-day operation of the program.

Further information is available from Louise Fisher at the Santa Barbara County Education Office, 964-4711, ext. 5281.