Lubchenco named 2004 County Teacher of Year

“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.