SBCEO Teachers Network
~Celebrating and supporting Santa Barbara County's Educators since 1985~

Congratulations:

2024 Santa Barbara County
Teacher of the Year-

Gregory Wolf
Social Sciences Teacher
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
Learn More HERE

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Learn more about our spring event:
Education Celebration
Honoring our 2022-23 Grant and Award Winners
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The SBCEO Teachers Network provides mini-grants, awards, and recognition events for Santa Barbara County teachers and schools. Since 1985, the SBCEO Teachers Network has partnered with local businesses, foundations, and community organizations to support leadership, innovation, and effective instruction to improve teaching and learning. 100% of all contributions are directed to local classroom teachers and are tax deductible. Contact us:

Steve Keithley                               Anne Flores                          
Director                                            Administrative Assistant                                     
skeithley@sbceo.org                      anneflores@sbceo.org                     
(805) 964-4711 ext. 5281               (805) 964-4711 ext. 5277            

SBCEO Teachers Network Awards

SBCEO Teachers Network provides a wide variety of awards designed to recognize the critical work of educators in our community. It is our privilege to honor excellence in teaching, leadership, service to students, and dedication to the profession. Scroll down for more information on each of the awards.

Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union
Crystal Apple Educator Award 

Description: 
Each year, ten very special people from Santa Barbara County are chosen to receive a Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union Crystal Apple Educator Award. Nominated for this award by their peers, these hard-working educators are recognized for their dedication to students and education, their instructional and motivational skills, their ability to challenge and inspire students, and their effective interaction with students, staff, and the local community.

Two or three school employees, colleagues, parents and/or students are required for nominations of educators who have provided exceptional service to students. Awards are presented at the Education Celebration on May 11, 2023. The award includes an honorarium provided by (SBTFCU).

Two awards are given in each of the following categories:

•  Elementary teacher: Grades PreK-6
•  Secondary teacher: Grades 6-12
•  Certificated support provider: e.g., a school counselor, school psychologist, certificated librarian, nurse, or any other certificated support personnel
•  Administrator: school site or district/county office
•  Classified employee: school site or district/county office

Check back in 2024.

Deadline:  March 21, 2023

Meet the previous Crystal Apple Educator Award winners HERE.

Distinguished Mentor Award

These three special awards are coordinated in partnership between the SBCEO Teachers Network, the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, and the SBUSD Induction Program.

Description:
The Distinguished Mentor Awards are among the highest honors a teacher can receive in Santa Barbara County. The awards recognize exceptional instruction, leadership, and potential. Administrators, colleagues, or others are invited to nominate teachers for these awards. Winners are recognized at A Salute to Teachers, our annual recognition event.

These awards are granted to Mentor Teachers who are actively serving in either the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, or the Santa Barbara Unified School District Induction Program* and 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

*Other induction programs may be eligible. Contact our office for details.

Meet the previous award winners HERE.

Distinguished New Educator Award

These three special awards are coordinated in partnership between the SBCEO Teachers Network, the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, and the SBUSD Induction Program.

Description: 
The Distinguished New Educator Awards are among the highest honors a teacher can receive in Santa Barbara County. The awards recognize exceptional instruction, leadership, and potential. Administrators, colleagues, or others are invited to nominate teachers for these awards. Winners are recognized at A Salute to Teachers, our annual recognition event.

These awards are granted to individuals who are enrolled in either the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, or the Santa Barbara Unified School District Induction Program* and exhibit:

• Exemplary instructional practice
• Inspiration and effective interaction with students and colleagues
• Innovative teaching methods and/or ability to overcome obstacles
• Ability to engage in a continuous cycle of reflection and instructional improvement

 *Other induction programs may be eligible. Contact our office for details. 

Meet the previous award winners HERE.

Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Award

Description: 
The Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Awards are given to two outstanding career technical educators in Santa Barbara County each year. The awards are given in partnership with Frank Schipper Construction Company and Tradart Foundation, in memory of long-time Santa Barbara High School Industrial Arts teacher, Marvin Melvin. Marvin, known for his quick wit and bow tie, taught machine shop, metal, and drafting classes. One of his students, Frank Schipper, excelled in learning and applying machine shop skills, and won a first place CA State award for building a wood lathe under Marvin’s supervision and mentorship.

One north and one south county Career Technical Educator (CTE) receives this honor annually. Principals, CTE Supervisors, ROP program administrators interested in nominating someone for this award should use the nomination form, link below. All questions should be directed to the Teachers Network. Learn more about Marvin Melvin, the man after whom the award is named HERE. 

Eligibility:
• Nominees must primarily teach CTE courses in public, grade 7-12, Santa Barbara County Schools.
• Nominees cannot have previously won the award. See previous award winners HERE.
• Nominees must have completed a minimum of three years teaching CTE.

Nominations for 2022-23 are now closed. Check back, Winter, 2024.

Santa Barbara Bowl
Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award

Description: The Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year is an annual recognition of an exemplary performing arts teacher. The SBCEO Teachers Network, in partnership with The Santa Barbara Bowl, selects one teacher based upon the content of the nomination forms. Nominations may be made on behalf of a performing arts teacher, or a performing arts teacher may nominate him/herself. The Selection Committee comprised of educators, members of the community, and Santa Barbara Bowl representatives will review all nominations.

The Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year (SBBPATOY) is an excellent instructional leader who effectively inspires the creativity of students, and serves the greater school community with performing arts. He or she also serves as an excellent voice representing the importance of performing arts for students in public education.

Within our county we have many outstanding performing arts teachers who qualify for this special recognition. Districts, principals, and colleagues are encouraged to nominate teachers that qualify, and performing arts teachers may also self-nominate.

Eligibility:
• Any current, fully credentialed, PreK-12 teacher in Santa Barbara County.
• Primary responsibility is teaching performing arts to students.
• Completed a minimum of three years teaching performing arts in the classroom.

Previously nominated teachers are eligible.

The Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year:

• Will be recognized at the annual A Salute to Teachers event held each fall.
• May have his/her students perform at a Teachers Network event.
• May be interviewed and filmed for promotional purposes.
• May be asked to speak at other events.
• Will win a cash grant award and a VIP concert experience at The Santa Barbara Bowl.

Nominations for 2022-23 are now closed. Check back, Winter, 2024.

Meet the Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award Winners HERE.

2024 Santa Barbara County
Teacher of the Year Award

Description: 
The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year (TOY) is an annual recognition of an exemplary educator serving as a voice celebrating and representing all teachers. Each year, one PreK-12 teacher is selected based upon the content of the application, letters of support, observation of instruction, and an interview by the Selection Committee. The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year award winner will submit an application to the California State Teacher of the Year competition.

The TOY is an excellent instructional leader and an effective communicator regarding the issues and challenges confronting teachers today. The TOY is an advocate and representative for the entire educational community. This individual represents teachers at educational forums and is called upon to speak at local service clubs and/or educational events.

The Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors an educator can receive. Within our county we have many outstanding teachers who qualify for this special recognition. Districts are encouraged to nominate a single individual that reflects the diverse make-up of the student population and models outstanding instructional practices. Teachers may also self-nominate.

Timeline: 
December 2, 2022- District nominations are due.
February 7, 2023- All Teacher of the Year applications are due.
March 8, 2023- Finalists are determined and notified.
April, 2023- Finalists are observed and interviewed by the selection committee.
April 28, 2023- Winner is notified, though results are embargoed until May 5, 2022.
May 4, 2023- Winner is formally announced at SBCEO Board Meeting. 

Nomination Process: 
• Teachers may be nominated by their district, charter school, or self-nominate.
• Each district/charter school is invited to submit their nominee. Districts/charter schools determine their own method of choosing their nominee.
• District, charter school, and self-nominated teachers complete the application in winter.

Eligibility:
• Current & Valid California PreK-12 Teaching Credential.
• More than 8 full years of classroom teaching experience.
• Currently assigned to a PreK-12 classroom.* Some administrative duties are acceptable, but the majority of assignments must be with students.
• If selected, must be available to fulfill occasional ambassadorial duties during the year as SB County TOY, appear at two different celebration events, and serve on the TOY Selection Committee.
*NOTE: State requirements are subject to change and may affect the candidate’s eligibility for California State Teacher of the Year.

Application:
The application must be completed through our online format, InformedK12. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 Teacher of the Year Award. Check back here in December, 2023 to apply for the 2025 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year Award.

Selection:
A selection committee of administrators, business and community partners, and a previous Teacher of the Year completed an initial screening of the applications. Finalists will be interviewed and observed in the classroom.

The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year:
• Will be recognized at the Education Celebration, and A Salute to Teachers teacher recognition events.
• May be interviewed and filmed for promotional purposes.
• Will be asked to speak at local service and educational events.
• Will serve on the 2025 TOY Selection Committee.
• Will have the privilege of being SB County's sole applicant for the California State Teacher of the Year award.

Nominations for 2022-23 are now closed. Check back, Winter, 2024.

Meet the Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year Award Winners HERE.

SBCEO Teachers Network Grants

The SBCEO Teachers Network provides a wide variety of mini-grants for all teachers in Santa Barbara County. The grants are designed to support excellent instructional ideas, leadership, and innovation in all subject areas and grade levels. All grants are intended to directly support teachers with a minimum of effort required to complete applications that capture the essence of the proposed project. Scroll down for more information on each of the grants.

Care for Our Earth Grants

Description: 
The Care for Our Earth Grants are generously funded by the Santa Barbata County Water Agency. These mini-grants are designed for teachers interested in environmental instruction or service projects. Proposals must focus on water supply & conservation.

Eligibility: Any PreK-12, public school teacher or non-management certificated employee in Santa Barbara County may apply. 

Subject Area: Any.

Application: Check back Fall 2023

Application Due: Fall, 2023

Grant Award: $300. Grant payment information can be found HERE. 

*Special consideration will be given to exemplary projects, and additional funding may be available. Contact the Teachers Network for details.

Additional Information: 

-Project must focus on water supply or conservation.

-Grant funds may be used for: experiments, art supplies, equipment or devices, guest speakers, field trips, etc. 

-Additional funds may also be available to support a team project, school-wide focus, field trip, or education program/assembly. Contact the SBCEO Teachers Network for details; (805) 964-4711 ext. 5277.

We encourage creativity, innovation, and thinking outside of the box! Click HERE for ideas to get started. 

Deadline:  The application window for 2022-23 is now closed. Check back fall, 2023.

Collaborative Learning Team Grants

Description: 
The Collaborative Learning Team Grant is designed to support grade-level or subject area teams working together at a single school site or PLC to design and implement innovative instruction. This grant will provide teams with funding for a variety of team planning and capacity-building efforts.

Eligibility: PreK-12 Santa Barbara County Public School Teachers. 

Subject area: Any

Application: The application window for 2022 has closed. Check back in winter, 2023.

Grant Award:  $2,500 –  Grant award funds will be paid to the school site only

Additional Information: 

Teams may apply for this grant to:

• Develop original materials, strategies, and curriculum that align to CA State Standards.
• Develop original lessons or programs that other teachers and teams can adapt to.
• Develop assessment and data collection tools to monitor student learning and inform instruction.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities.
• Experiment with ways to solve specific instructional challenges.
• Develop a project that encourages partnerships that improve student achievement.

Funds from the grant may be used for substitute pay, mileage, materials, etc. Grant funds will be paid to a single school site only.

Application: The application window for this grant is closed for 2022-23. Check back in Winter, 2024.

Curriculum Project Grants

Description: 
The Curriculum Project Grants are intended for teachers of any grade level or subject area who would like to implement innovative and effective instructional units.

Subject Area: Any (a special category for Performing Arts Curriculum Project grants is described below*).

Eligibility: 
Any Santa Barbara County public school teacher or non-management certificated employee in grades PreK-12 in any subject or specialization may apply for Project Grants.

Grant Award: $700 –  Grant payment information can be found HERE. 

Additional Information: 
This grant category is for Santa Barbara County teachers who have successful, creative, or innovative curriculum units or projects. Teachers are welcome to submit projects from any subject area. Applicants must submit a minimum of three lesson plans as part of the application. Special consideration is given to STEM related projects.

Grant Application: The application window is now closed. Check back in the 2023-24 school year.

Deadline:  Winter, 2024.

Performing Arts Curriculum Project Grants

Subject Area: PreK-12 Performing Arts

Who is eligible? 
Any Santa Barbara County public school teacher or non-management certificated employee in grades PreK-12 in any subject or specialization may apply for this grant but it must include a student performance.

Grant Award: $700 –  Grant payment information can be found HERE. 

Additional Information: 

This specific Curriculum Project Grant category is specifically intended to support the development of innovative instructional lessons, units, or projects focusing on all aspects of performing arts. Priority will be given to applications that engage students with exciting instruction in the arts and include some kind of performance. Integration of standards and multiple subject areas is strongly encouraged. Applications from teachers of any subject/grade throughout Santa Barbara County will be accepted.

Grant Application: The grant application window is now closed. Check back in Winter, 2024.

Deadline: Winter, 2024

Instructional Strategy Team Grants

Description: 
The Instructional Strategy Team Grants  consist of two components: the Team Coach and Team Members.

Team Coach: Instructional Strategy Team Coaches are teachers who have developed an original, successful instructional strategy to share with a team of teacher peers. Teachers wishing to coach a team apply in September. Once Coaches are chosen, the selected strategies are announced in October. Teachers wishing to learn the strategy then apply to be Team Members. Coaches will be asked to assist with recruiting Team Member applicants.

Team Coach Applications: The application window has now closed. Applications for Team Members are now open. Information below.
Deadline: Check back Fall, 2023

Team Member: Teachers who wish to learn a selected strategy may apply to be a Strategy Team Member now. Click HERE to learn about the selected strategies. Once Team Members are selected, coaches will begin meeting with the team to share their strategies.

Team Member Applications: Check back Fall, 2023.
Deadline: November, 2023

Additional Information: This grant is designed to develop teacher leadership through collaboration with peers, not necessarily from the same school site. Teams meet for a minimum of three, 1-hour sessions over a period of several months, and are scheduled by the Team Coach. Team Coaches will work to coordinate a schedule of meetings with Team Members in mind. Meetings may take place via Zoom or in-person, but all school site safety guidelines must be followed. Grant funds may be used for materials needed for the strategy, travel to meetings, and/or other instruction-related purchases.

Eligibility: Any Santa Barbara County, PreK-12 public school teacher, or non-management certificated employee, in any subject or specialization may apply.

Grant Award: Coaches- $1,200; Team Members- $500  –  Grant payment information can be found HERE. 

Grant applications for 2022-23 are now closed. Check back, Fall, 2023.

 Selected 2022-23 Team Coach Strategies and Coaches

2022-23 Instructional Strategy Team Coaches have been selected. Teachers may apply to be a member of the following teams. For details on each coach, their strategy, and the application link, see below.

Team Coach: Noe Chavez - Arthur Hapgood School, Lompoc Unified School District
Strategy Title: Acentuacion Facil
Strategy Description: Teaching accent marks in Spanish can be difficult and many teachers lack the confidence and "know how" to teach them effectively. My methodology is proven to work and it is much needed in dual immersion programs because it greatly improves semantics.

Team Coach: Chris Ladwig - Cabrillo High School, Lompoc Unified School District
Strategy Title: Reflecting on Learning: A Goal-Orientated Grading System
Strategy Description: This multi-pronged grading strategy applies to all subjects and encourages thoughtful reflection, fosters writing fluency, and empowers students to demonstrate their learning within a goal-oriented classroom culture.

Team Coach: Annabel Meza & Alexia Limón - Adelante Charter School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
Strategy Title: Language Function Walls
Strategy Description: Thematic unit development (in English and Spanish), based upon analysis of the language needed to comprehend text, participate in discussions, and to write about the content/intent of the Social Studies, Science or Common Core ELA/SLA standards at the heart of the unit. These language function walls serve as a visual resource for students to use throughout the unit and a key aid in providing integrated and Designated ELD instruction.

Team Coach: Jason Naczek - Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, College District
Strategy Title: From Research to Presentation
Strategy Description: Students will learn to use the SBCEO portal to research the causes and effects of poor air quality and what can be done to improve it. Students will take the project from an idea/concept and apply research strategies to build to a final informative slideshow presentation.

Team Coach: Allan Viscarra - Peabody Charter School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
Strategy Title: Increasing Student Engagement Through PBL
Strategy Description: Explore strategies for designing project-based learning (PBL) that can increase student engagement, deepen learning, and support students to become responsible for their own academic progress. Learning how instructional tools and strategies such as driving questions, learning targets, critique, field work, student-engaged assessment, and presentations of learning can be integrated into an inquiry-based learning experience.

To apply to be a member of one of the above Strategy Teams, click HERE.

SBCEO Teacher Innovation Grants

Description: 
The SBCEO Teacher Innovation Grants provide funds for SBCEO teachers to creatively explore new ways of helping students learn. SBCEO teachers may apply to:

• Develop an original teaching idea or a new program which others can adapt to.
• Enrich your curriculum to improve instruction.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities.
• Experiment with ways to solve specific instructional, classroom, and/or student-management problems.
• Develop a project that encourages parent and/or community partnerships.
• Develop a project that enhances the school's facility (e.g. visual art, recreation) and/or benefits students educationally.

Eligibility: Only SBCEO certificated, non-management teachers may apply.

Subject Area: Any

Grant Award: $500 –  Funds awarded for this grant will be issued as reimbursement for materials purchased. All materials will remain the property of SBCEO.

Grant Application: Check back in winter, 2024.

Deadline: January 2024

TeachNet Technology Grants

Description: The TeachNet Technology Grants aim to improve student learning and achievement by addressing the technical, practical, and pedagogical issues surrounding integration of technology in classroom instruction. Winning applications are selected for their innovative uses of technology that are student-focused and equity minded approach to teaching and learning.

Eligibility: Any PreK-12, public school teacher in Santa Barbara County may apply.

Subject Area: Any, but technology integration is required.

Grant Award: $1,000.  See payment details HERE.

Application: The application window for this grant is closed for 2022-23. Check back in Winter, 2024.

SBCEO Teachers Network Events

Each year, the SBCEO Teachers Network hosts two events; A Salute to Teachers, and the Education Celebration. Each event is designed to honor and recognize recipients of the Teachers Network grants and awards. Click to learn more:

• A Salute to Teachers
• Education Celebration

SBCEO Teachers Network Tips & FAQs

Tips for writing quality nominations and applications:

• Be sure to check eligibility requirements, and ensure you or your nominee meets them.
• Answer all the questions completely.
• Avoid jargon- our Selection Committee members are not necessarily educators.
• Make sure your responses are well thought-out, polished, and provide a detailed explanation of the project and description of how the grant funds will be spent.

Tips for first-time nominators and applicants:

• Go For It! Our mini-grants and awards are designed for local teachers just like you!
• Contact us if you have questions- that's what we're here for.
• Be confident in your writing- many first-time applicants have their projects funded.
• Make certain that you follow all instructions and meet the application deadline.

How are award and grant winners selected?

• Grant applications are read and selected by a committee of SBCEO administrators and business and community partners. Annual funding levels determine the number of grants awarded each year.
• All applications are reviewed for completeness and quality of responses to questions.

When will I hear if my application or nomination was selected?

• Notifications will be made approximately three to four weeks after the deadline.

How are grant funds dispersed?

The Santa Barbara County Education Office Teachers Network must abide by all legal requirements, regulations, and intentions of donors when awarding grant funds to recipients. 

- Grant funds must be used during the school year in which the grant was awarded.

- Grant funds will be distributed in one of three ways, as decided by the grant recipient:

1. Payroll -Funds are sent to the District, subject to normal deductions, taxes and withholdings.

2. District Reimbursement for Purchased Items -Funds are sent to the District for reimbursement after the grant recipient returns receipts for items purchased. District may require that all receipts are turned-in at once, and by the purchasing cut-off date for the current school year.

3. School Site Reimbursement for Purchased Items -Funds are sent to the school for reimbursement after the grant recipient returns receipts for items purchased. School site may require that all receipts are turned-in at once, and by the purchasing cut-off date for the current school year.

Exceptions:

Santa Maria-Bonita School District requests that grant awards be paid via payroll option only.

Collaborative Learning Team Grant payments will be made to the school site or district only.

SBCEO Teacher Innovation Grants are paid by reimbursement only. Receipts are returned to the Teachers Network by May 9 of the school year during which the grant was awarded. Purchased items will remain the property of SBCEO.

For additional information, please contact SBCEO Teachers Network (805) 964-4711 ext. 5277.

Teachers Network News

National Park Service Resources for Teachers:

Did you know that there are many free, high-quality resources for teachers and students associated with our National Parks? Example- check out the information related to the Channel Islands National Park off our local coast, and the connections to the beloved book, Island of the Blue Dolphins HERE. 

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs:
You might be eligible!

Some positive news about student loan relief that may apply to you as an educator! Click the links below for more information.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program- If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Click to see whether you might qualify.

Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Program- Eligible borrowers can get a full or partial discharge of loans up to $20,000! Click to learn more.

Special Grant Opportunity:

Local solutions to address shortage of Special Education teachers:

CA K-12 Online Content Project

STEM Library Resource Access

Did you know that every public school and student in the state now has unlimited access to Gale’s science and technology resources? Gale Presents: National Geographic Kids; Gale in Context: Environmental Studies; and Gale: Interactive: Science are included as part of California’s K–12 Online Resources Program. The California State Library and Proposition 98 fund these resources, training, and access for all. Californians can investigate the Gale resources by choosing their district, library, charter, or other institution at the Gale California K-12 Online Content Project web page. Questions about the program can be directed to Mary Beth Barber, Special Projects, at Marybeth.barber@library.ca.gov.