Skip To Main Content

Distinguished Mentor Award

 

Description:
The Distinguished Mentor Awards, coordinated in partnership between SBCEO Teachers Network and the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program are among the highest honors a teacher can receive in Santa Barbara County. The awards recognize exceptional instruction, leadership, and mentorship. Administrators, colleagues, mentees, or others are invited to submit nominations. Three Distinguished Mentor Award winners are selected each year. Nominees should exhibit:

  • Exceptional dedication to supporting the professional growth of beginning teachers
  • Exemplary instructional practice
  • Inspiration that motivates both students and colleagues
  • Dedication to the overall success of their educational organization

Eligibility:

  • Actively serving in either the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, Santa Barbara Unified School District Induction Program, or Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Other induction programs may be eligible, contact our office for details.
  • Completed a minimum of five years of classroom teaching.
  • Planning to teach in the next school year.
  • Previously nominated teachers are eligible.

Distinguished Mentor Award Winners:

  • Will be recognized at the annual A Salute to Teachers event held each fall.
  • May be interviewed and filmed for promotional purposes.
  • May be asked to speak at other events.

The nomination window for this award is now closed. Check back in the 2026-27 school year.

Meet the previous award winners HERE.