Carolyn Teraoka-Brady named l999 County Teacher of Year

Carolyn Teraoka-Brady, the instrumental and choral music teacher at Goleta Valley Junior High School, was named 1999 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at a press conference April 27 by County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone.

Mrs. Teraoka-Brady, one of a number of outstanding countywide nominees for the honor, was selected by a five-person committee composed of teachers and representatives from PTAs  and school boards. 

Debra ugalde, a fourth grade bilingual teacher at Arellanes School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, was named Teacher of Excellence.

Superintendent Cirone expressed hearty congratulations for Mrs. Teraoka-Brady’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and successes with a broad range of students.

Mrs. Teraoka-Brady attended Cal State Fullerton and received a M.A. in music and teaching credential from Humboldt State University.

 She received the PTA Honorary Service award and has served as a mentor teacher.  She has also served as representative for performing arts on the Santa Barbara High School District curriculum council, was co-advisor to the National Junior Honor Society, and chair of the Performing Arts Department.

She is a member of the California Band Directors Association, the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association, the California Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference and Alpha Delta Kappa professional women’s sorority.

“My responsibility to [my students] is to provide a classroom atmosphere and a challenging curric ulum that will encourage students to develop self-motivating and critical thinking skills that will empower them to be successful throughout their lives,” she wrote in her application.

“I encourage students to set high goals, but they need to develop a personal satisfaction with their work,,.” she added.

Mrs. Teraoka-Brady also volunteers at Ellwood School in Goleta where she presents a weekly 30-minute music lesson, ad has worked with librarian Bev Pelton to develop an Adopt a Book program that’s been highly successful.

“[Through arts education] students develop self-discipline, self-esteem , goal-setting, team work, respect for cultural diversity when studied through music education.  Incorporating an arts education can help motivate students to understand the world they live in,” she wrote.

Wrote principal David Cash:  “She is a tireless, dedicated, and passionate teacher.  Carolyn has always performed at the highest levels of excellence in her teaching and has been an incredible resource for students, parents, and staff.”

Wrote colleague and parent Gerry Sottak:  “Carolyn receives students each year who are musical neophytes.   She takes these students in frighteningly large numbers and patiently, kindly, and lovingly turns them into musicians.  ..Carolyn does not give up on anyone.  She has that one-in-a-million talent for making students believe in themselves when no one else does...She instills the desire to work hard, to do one’s best, to participate as a cooperative member of a group, and to love life and music...She [also] seems to be the mentor, the fixer-of-problems, the advocate for so many of our brand new teachers.  She hones in on their needs and...guides them along the right paths.”

Wrote GV Resource Specialist and UCSB teacher credential program instructor Cheryl Banigan:  “She is, without question, one of the finest I have ever observed or worked with on a faculty.   I have observed her enthusiasm, charisma, patience, creativity and interest in working with ALL students and staff.  Her energy appears endless, which is remarkable given the countess hours she contributes weekly after the school day and week have ended. .. From Open Houses, carnivals, concerts at local elementary schools, parades, sixth grade visitations and holiday highlights, to musical director of all musical aspects of the various musical theater productions..to the grand finale at eighth grade graduation, she is a ‘class act.’ ”

Wrote drama teacher Clark Sayre:  “Carolyn Teraoka-Brady is an inspiration to her students, colleagues and the community at large...She is absolutely tireless in her efforts with the students...She and her program have been providing outreach to the community and serving as good-will ambassadors for years.”

Teraoka-Brady’s nomination will next be reviewed for consideration as California Teacher of the Year next fall.  The California winner will then proceed into consideration for National Teacher of the Year. 

As Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Teraoka-Brady will be available to speak countywide, and can be reached at Goleta Valley Junior High or at the County Education Office, by calling Nancy Emerson at 964-4711, ext. 5281.