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“Four
words form my personal guidelines for a great classroom environment:
varied, safe, intellectually stimulating.” — Peggy Lubchenco
Peggy
Lubchenco, who has taught seventh grade science at La Colina Junior
High for the past eight years, was named 2004 Santa Barbara County Teacher
of the Year. The announcement was made by County Superintendent of Schools
Bill Cirone at a press conference convened during the monthly meeting
of the Santa Barbara County Board of Education May 1.
Lubchenco, one of a number of outstanding countywide nominees for the
honor, was selected by a committee including representatives of teachers,
administrators, PTAs, and school boards. Two Distinguished Educators
were also named and will be announced at the June board meeting.
Superintendent Cirone expressed congratulations for Lubchenco’s
professionalism, enthusiasm, creativity, and successes in the classroom
and in the community.
Lubchenco holds a B.A. in environmental science from Colorado College,
a teaching credential in life sciences from Chapman College, and a master’s
degree in ecology and evolution from Brown University.
She began her career teaching computer, math, life science, and physical
science at Marina LaVia High School. She subsequently taught computer
and life science at Mulcahey Junior High and physical and life science
at Seekonk Intermediate School, before taking a position at La Colina
in 1995.
In related experience, Lubchenco worked as a research assistant with
Oregon State University at the Smithsonian in Panama, and served as
a fisheries biologist for both the Oregon and California Departments
of Fish and Game. She has worked as a laboratory technician at Stanford
University and as a science editor for Intellimation Computer Software
Company.
Her awards and honors have been numerous. She was named AAPG California
Earth Science Teacher of the Year K-12 and AAPG National Earth Science
Teacher of the Year K-12. She has served as her district’s Earth
Science Mentor Teacher. She also served as a delegate of the U.S. State
Department at the Munich Olympic Games; was named a member of the Alpha
Lambda Delta Scholastic Honor Society; and was a member of the National
Masters Swimming Team Champions. She was a finalist for Outstanding
Youth Educator in Monterey County and was named Outstanding Teacher
in Marina. She was named a GLOBE National Teacher Trainer as well.
Grants she has written have totaled more than $68,000. She has also
presented seminars and workshops on marine biology, computer technology
in the classroom, life sciences, and earth sciences. She has presented
Computer Science in-services for Teachers, and NSF Bookshelves in Biology
Workshop, GLOBE Workshops, the JASON Project, Researcher Experience
Teachers Seminar, National Ocean Literacy On-Line conference, Beyond
the Classroom Colloquium, California Science Teachers Conference, and
a SEASET district workshop.
Her community involvement involves her roles as wife, mother, and teacher.
She has been a Girl Scout Leader, has assisted the swim team and helped
run water polo matches. She has taken part in PTSA events at a wide
range of schools and has been involved with fund-raising as well. She
has organized field trips to Martha’s Vineyard, Yosemite, Figueroa
Mountain, Sedgwick Ranch Reserve, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, and local
Santa Barbara beaches.
She also volunteers as a guest speaker for student teacher classes at
UCSB.
Wrote principal David Ortiz: “Visitors to Mrs. Lubchenco’s
classroom are frequently impressed with the highly positive and productive
atmosphere…Both current and former students frequently share that
she makes learning powerful, relevant, and fun. Her magic is equally
effective with all levels of learners. More challenged students frequently
complete assignments they hardly believed possible…Parents have
appreciated her consistent feedback and encouragement. Colleagues commend
her for her intelligent and wise leadership. She exudes integrity, skill,
knowledge, and passion for science, education, and life.”
Wrote Judy Headley, associate director of PT3Project and technology
specialist for Beyond the Classroom Project: “She is an outstanding
educator and leader…When I observed her Genetic Disease Convention
last spring, her students had assumed the role of doctors (complete
with lab coats) to present their findings on a genetic disease and its
treatment. They used PowerPoint and produced a scientific poster. Her
project is featured on the BTC webpage for all teachers to use and adapt…Peggy’s
enthusiasm and dedication are obvious. One only has to walk into her
classroom to see the excitement that her students have for learning
science. She takes every opportunity to learn new approaches and to
create innovative teaching units to bring science to life for her students.”
Wrote science teacher/technology coordinator Darren Massa: “Mrs.
Lubchenco has the innate ability to make science real for her students
while maintaining a rigorous curriculum in a standards-based educational
climate... She is also a master at getting guest speakers into her classroom,
including many local scientists. Her partnership with the universities
and colleges in the area demonstrates the concept of life-long learning
to her students, and allows them the chance to see how their topics
of study are used in real life…In front of the class, Mrs. Lubchenco
is truly a master teacher. She has an engaging presence about her as
she transmits her various life experiences to her student. Mrs. Lubchenco’s
students receive a cutting-edge, engaging, and creative science education.
Whenever I find myself struggling in my own teaching, I ask myself what
she would have done in that situation…I have never seen a better
teacher in any subject area.”
Lubchenco’s nomination will next be reviewed for consideration
as California Teacher of the Year in the fall. The California winner
will then proceed into consideration for 2004 National Teacher of the
Year.
As Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Lubchenco will be available
to speak countywide, and can be reached at La Colina Junior High School
in the Santa Barbara High School District at 967-4506, or at the County
Education Office, by calling Carol Gregor at 964-4711, ext. 5281.
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