May 27, 1999

 

Carter named 2000 Santa Barbara County Distinguished Educator

Sarah Carter, a fourth grade teacher at Tunnell School in Santa Maria-Bonita, was named one of two 2000 Santa Barbara County Distinguished Educators by County Superintendent of Schools William J. Cirone. The announcement was made at a press conference June 2. Distinguished Educators comprise a category formed to acknowledge outstanding teachers in the Teacher of the Year awards program. The other Distinguished Educator for the year 2000 was Leslie Gravitz, of Main School in Carpinteria.

"Sarah Carter exemplifies what is best in our profession," said Superintendent Cirone. "We created the Distinguished Educator award as a means of paying tribute to the successes and the dedication the truly outstanding teachers display every day."

The award was created as an outgrowth of the annual county Teacher of the Year award. This year, the selection committee comprising teachers and representatives from PTAs and school boards, expressed strong feelings that the applications and credentials of Carter and Gravitz were clearly Teacher-of-the-Year caliber.

The committee members could only select one teacher to represent the county for the State Teacher of the Year award; but members felt strongly they should also acknowledge the excellence of these finalists.

"This is our way of publicly announcing how very grateful and proud we are of Ms. Carter's efforts and successes," said Mr. Cirone.

Sandy Robertson, an English teacher at Santa Barbara Junior High School, was selected as the County Teacher of the Year.

Carter has spent 24 of her 28 years as a teacher at Tunnell School. She graduated from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina with a B.A. in social studies, a minor in sociology and a teaching credential. She has taken graduate courses at Wichita State University, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Cal Poly in San Louis Obispo.

Since 1974 she has taught 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes at Tunnel School, and since 1985 has been a key planner on the Tunnell School Leadership Team. She has also served as a master teacher for students from surrounding universities and as a member of the Mathematics Team which aids in the preparation of diagnostic and benchmark tests in math. She has served as chair of the social studies action team and a member of the curriculum and instruction team at her district. She has been a history mentor teacher as well. Since 1995 she has been a cadre trainer with the California Challenge Training Program, a program for celebrating diversity sponsored by the California Teachers Association Human Rights department.

Wrote Superintendent Gail Tissier: "Mrs. Carter serves as a wonderful role model for her students and colleagues. She sets and expects high standards, nurtures understanding for all cultures and devotes countless hours to the children of our community… Respect, kindness and courtesy are the foundations on which she builds her classroom atmosphere… "

Wrote principal Elinor Lee: "Mrs. Carter's number one priority is always the student's success. She is first and foremost an educator. She believes that every individual should have the opportunity to learn by using the style of learning that facilitates his/her learning. Respect of the individual and their culture is a strong emphasis in her classroom. High standards and expectations result in quality work and success for her students…As a Master Teacher she has helped numerous student teachers develop the skills of a quality educator through example and practice."

Wrote parent Wendy Lahr: "Her success with students comes from three important personal attributes: dedication, innovation, and high standards for herself and her students…My children have learned responsibility, time management, and strong study skills."