February 1, 1999

 

Best wins Rotary award

 

Ted Best, an American History teacher at La Colina Junior High School, has been selected as winner of the Santa Barbara Rotary Club Teacher Recognition Award for "outstanding and special service" to his school and its students. The awards are a special project of IMPACT II&emdash;The Teachers Network program sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Education Office, William J. Cirone, Superintendent.

Best was selected by a committee of teachers, parents, classified staff, and administrators.

The selection committee said, "Ted's effect on students is incredible. He reaches all students whether they are gifted and talented or designated as 'at risk.' His creative teaching methods and his genuine caring give him that extra edge with students. He began the after-school TARGET program which offers students individual tutoring or just a quiet place to complete their homework. … His yearly 'Americana' production which began 15 years ago, helps his students trace American history through song, dance, oration and skits. It has grown until over 200 students participate each year in two nights of sold-out performances."

In a letter of congratulations, County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone wrote, "We feel most fortunate to have you in the teaching profession and are grateful for the many contributions you have made to students, your profession and the community as classroom teacher in the Santa Barbara schools."